Islamabad, 22 December 2022 (TDI): Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a phone call to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discuss recent developments in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

On 21st December, both Ministers exchanged views on the Taliban’s decision to ban the education of girls and women in Afghanistan’s universities, Foreign Office released a statement.

Moreover, the two emphasized that Islam has accorded women a privileged position, and safeguarded their rights.

They affirmed the guarantee of women’s rights and emphasized the importance of full and equal participation of women in all aspects of life.

According to the Statement, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored their firm position in support of security, stability, and peace in Afghanistan.

Also Read: US condemns Taliban university ban for women

During the phone call, both Foreign Ministers called for the advancement of international efforts aimed at building a more sustainable future for the Afghan people, the Statement noted.

Pakistan denounces the decision of Afghan authorities

Earlier on 21 December, Pakistan expressed disappointment about the suspension of the university and higher education for female students in Afghanistan.

Foreign Office Spokesperson in a statement strongly urges the interim Afghan government to revisit the decision to suspend higher education for female students.

Pakistan’s position on this issue has been clear and consistent. It strongly believes that every man and woman has the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.

UAE condemns Afghan government’s decision

On Wednesday, UAE also condemned the Afghan government’s recent decision to ban girls from accessing higher education.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Permanent Representative of UAE to the United Nations in a statement said that this decision by the Afghan Taliban government profoundly jeopardizes the international community’s efforts to engage with the Taliban in the interest of the Afghan people.

To conclude, Ambassador added, the UAE will remain steadfast in its longstanding support for and commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stability, security, and prosperity, in cooperation with regional and international partners.