The Taliban, who is now in complete control of Afghanistan, held talks with the European Union (EU) on November 26 and 27 in Doha, the capital of Qatar. In their crucial talks, the two sides discussed the socio-economic and humanitarian issues plaguing Afghanistan.
While the people of Afghanistan continue to face a humanitarian crisis with a shortage of food and water supplies, and a socio-political crisis brought in by the Taliban’s strict interpretation of the Sharia law, the insurgent group asked the EU for help to keep Kabul’s airports running. The Taliban also raised “grave concern” about the humanitarian crisis in their country.
The delegates of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and the EU delegates led by EU Special Representative for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson discussed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, health, security, and safe passage for people wishing to travel out of Afghanistan, as reported by TOLO News.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) reiterated its stand on the Taliban in its statement and said, “The dialogue does not imply recognition by the EU of the interim (Taliban) government but is part of EU’s operational engagement, in the interest of the EU and the Afghan people.”
The meeting is being viewed as an effort by the Taliban to seek humanitarian aid for the country that is facing catastrophic conditions since the fall of the Western-backed Kabul government led by former president Ashraf Ghani and the subsequent rise of the Taliban after nearly 20 years.
The EU said that the Taliban vowed to stick by its promise of “amnesty” for Afghans who had worked against them and collaborated with the US and NATO forces to defeat them. The Taliban also promised to allow Afghans and foreigners to leave if they wish so, but “requested assistance for maintaining operations of airports” so that could happen.
Read more: More Than Half Of The Afghan Population Is Facing An Acute Food Crisis: UN
The socio-economic and food crisis in Afghanistan has become a topic of utmost importance as winter is arriving, which could further worsen the situation. The EU has said that it would continue supplying humanitarian aid to the country.
The EU emphasised and pressed the Taliban to create an inclusive government that will include representation from all sections of the Afghan society, foster democracy, ensure equal access to schooling for girls, and prevent Afghanistan from serving as a base for any militant group that could threaten the security of others.
The Taliban reiterated that they would uphold human rights “in line with Islamic principles” and would welcome back diplomatic missions that had been shut down, as per the statement issued.
