Brussels, 14 June 2023 (TDI): Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, met with the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, who is also in charge of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid.
The meeting was held yesterday while Khar was on an official visit to Belgium, which concluded today.
The meeting was aimed at discussing the partnership in disaster and crisis management with European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid.
Minister Khar also conveyed her gratitude to the EU for their assistance and help in flood relief efforts, which underlines the importance of collaboration and cooperation between Pakistan and the EU in times of crisis.
The discussion of the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan was also on the agenda of the meeting.
Pakistan hosts the largest Afghan refugee population in the world, with over a million registered Afghan refugees residing in the country, which rose dramatically after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
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The situation of these refugees has been a concern for Pakistan, and Minister Khar discussed the need for continued support from the EU in this regard.
Commissioner Lenarčič confirmed that the EU is committed to finding a durable solution to this issue and will continue to work closely with the government of Pakistan and other host communities in this regard.
Additionally, the two officials discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and its potential impact on Pakistan and the region as a whole. Pakistan and the EU both share a common interest in finding a peaceful solution to this humanitarian crisis.
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The whole region, and especially the neighboring countries, are suffering from the spillover effect of the situation in Afghanistan, and the desire for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is crucial for the entire region’s prosperity and progress.
This meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to work together during times of need. The meeting also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises for a shared, prosperous future.
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