EU Representative Meets Taliban Official in Kabul Amid Diplomatic Efforts

In a continuation of limited diplomatic efforts between the Taliban administration and international organizations, the Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union delegation in Afghanistan met with the Administrative Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban in Kabul.

This meeting, held on October 6, featured Veronica Bouskova, the EU Chargé d’Affaires, who highlighted the presence of returning migrant groups and those affected by the earthquake in Kunar, calling for cooperation to improve their situation. She also announced the EU’s readiness to assist with the treatment of drug addicts.

Bouskova further stated that the European Union intends to support projects in Afghanistan focused on housing construction and job creation for returning residents. However, she noted that the current conditions, due to restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration and its governance style, have raised widespread concerns among international organizations.

In response, Mawlawi Abdulsalam Hanafi, the Taliban’s Administrative Deputy, thanked the European Union for its cooperation but, while making general remarks about climate change and migrant conditions, called on “regional and extra-regional countries” to play a greater role in supporting migrants.

While the Taliban administration expects help and engagement from the global community, its limitations on women’s rights, suppression of civil liberties, and creation of an unsafe environment for international organizations have complicated effective responses to the country’s humanitarian crises.