Kabul: 28 July 2021 (TDI)
Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, met with Tomas Niklasson, Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan on Wednesday. They discussed the Afghan peace process in great detail.
At first, Atmar applauded the European Union’s support throughout the last two decades, as well as its principled stance on the Afghan peace process. He discussed the current developments in the peace process and the rise of violence in Taliban-controlled regions. He also discussed the role of the European Union in strengthening cooperation, specifically regional connectivity and the implementation of macroeconomic projects in the region. He urged member states of the European Union to fully cooperate in forcing the Taliban to accept a ceasefire in Afghanistan.
Niklasson demanded an immediate ceasefire and a political accord between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Noting the importance of diplomatic mechanisms, Nicholson emphasized the need for multilateral regional and transregional peace initiatives. He also assured Atmar of the European Union’s willingness and support for such initiatives. At last, Niklasson informed Atmar that European Union cooperation and assistance for the Afghan people will continue in the aftermath of the withdrawal of U.S forces.
