KABUL (SW) – The European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas Nicholson has stated that the EU aims to provide 45 million euros in aid for alternative crop programs for Afghan farmers in the near future.
Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says that Nicholson raised this matter during a meeting on Tuesday, with Mohammad Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Minister for the de-facto government’s political affairs.
Nicholson emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with Afghanistan, Fetrat added.
“The EU Special Representative emphasized the need for international organizations to play a role in providing alternative crops and offering treatment for individuals addicted to narcotics, alongside the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to combat drugs,” he shared.
Nicholson also mentioned that he would be discussing with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries the issue of halting the forced deportation of Afghan migrants.
Despite these developments, some political experts argue that the Islamic Emirate must leverage the European Union to expand its diplomatic relations with other countries.
Mohammad Zalmay Afghanyar Popal, a political analyst, said, “Dialogue is the solution to all confrontations. If the European Union seeks to establish relations with Afghanistan, these relations should be based on safeguarding the national interests of both sides.”
Another political expert, Sayed Akbar Siyal, noted that expanding the Islamic Emirate’s relationships with the EU and other countries is in Afghanistan’s best interest. “Despite some reports critical of the Islamic Emirate from certain countries, the presence and relations of these countries in Afghanistan remain crucial.”
Although the European Union has not officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, it has continued its humanitarian aid and cooperation with Afghanistan over the past three years.
