Central Asian and EU special envoys for Afghanistan gather in Dushanbe

Special envoys of Central Asian nations and the European Union (EU) for Afghanistan gathered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this week for discussions on the current situation in the country.

According to a statement issued by the EU, this was the 6th such meeting and participants discussed socio-economic and political developments in Afghanistan since their last meeting in February 2024.

The discussions also focused on the current human rights situation in the country, particularly concerning women and girls, as well as the ongoing security challenges and threats facing Afghanistan.

Also in attendance was the EU’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas Niklasson, who met with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, ahead of the general meeting.

The two officials highlighted the importance of regional stability and security, and explored potential pathways for addressing the challenges in the region.

They noted that Afghanistan remains a critical issue influencing regional dynamics.

While no country has yet officially recognized the IEA government, Central Asia maintains a consistent and practical rapport with Afghanistan, regardless of its leadership, Trend news agency reported.

Soon after the Islamic Emirate regained power in August 2021, Central Asian nations reached out and made contact.

Initially done by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan soon followed and removed the IEA from its list of banned organizations.

Tajikistan has however been slower to warm to the new government but the northern neighbor has continued to export electricity to Afghanistan