The meeting was also attended by Veronika Bošković Pohar, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation in Kabul.

According to a statement released by the ARG, Niklasson praised the progress achieved in Afghanistan under the Islamic Emirate’s administration. He highlighted the effective measures taken to establish peace, combat corruption, and address drug-related issues. Niklasson emphasized the need for international cooperation to provide alternatives to drug cultivation and support the treatment of drug addicts in Afghanistan.

Niklasson further announced the EU’s plan to allocate 45 million euros to assist Afghan farmers in adopting alternative crops. He stressed the importance of unrestricted access for EU staff to all regions of Afghanistan to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. Additionally, he confirmed the EU’s ongoing dialogue with neighboring countries to halt the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, particularly its efforts to assist in alternative crop cultivation. He noted that the Islamic Emirate has established a High Commission dedicated to the sustained fight against drugs and intoxicants and reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its promises.

Mawlawi Kabir also emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in treating addicts from the previous administration and equipping them with vocational skills to reintegrate into society. He called for continued cooperation from international organizations, including the EU, to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees, urging neighboring countries to cease forced deportations. (ILKHA)