The European Union’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, met Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul during a visit to the country, the Taliban-run foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the ministry, Bertrand “commended” what it described as the Taliban’s four-year achievements and their handling of “millions” of returning migrants, and assured continued EU humanitarian support.
The statement said Bertrand also highlighted the EU’s interest in Afghanistan’s economic sector, particularly private-sector development, and called for expanded cooperation to help attract major foreign investors.
Muttaqi urged the EU to take “positive steps” to support Afghanistan’s progress in various sectors, the ministry said, adding that both sides pledged to maintain dialogue.
This is Bertrand’s second trip to Kabul since being appointed as the EU’s special envoy.
The EU delegation in Afghanistan has not commented on the meeting.
The European Union has continued humanitarian and basic services assistance to Afghanistan over the past four years, with most funding directed to education and health. The bloc recently launched a €4.7 million program to support schooling and returning migrants.
