The EU special envoy in a meeting with Taliban interior minister in Kabul on Oct. 12. File photo.
Concluding his visit to Kabul, the European Union special envoy Thomas Frellesen says the bloc remains concerned about terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan and their activities across its borders.
In this visit, security, women’s rights and strained “Afghanistan-Pakistan relations” featured prominently in talks with Taliban authorities and regional representatives, the EU office in Kabul said in a statement on Thursday.
Frellesen visited Kabul from Oct. 12 to 14 and met senior Taliban officials, diplomats, United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation representatives and Afghan civil society figures.
The EU said Afghanistan’s overall security situation had “generally improved,” but warned about the “continued presence and cross-border activities of terrorist groups of regional and potentially global reach,” including ISIS-K.
Frellesen stressed that Taliban authorities must deliver on their commitment that “Afghan territory will not be used to threaten the security of any other country.”
The remarks come amid persistent regional concerns over militant groups operating in Afghanistan and heightened tensions between Taliban authorities and Pakistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly alleged that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, maintains sanctuaries in Afghanistan and uses Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan. Taliban authorities reject the allegations and say they do not allow the country’s territory to be used to threaten other countries.
During his visit, Frellesen met Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, with security and regional stability among the issues discussed.
He also met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Their talks covered political and humanitarian issues as well as security and counternarcotics efforts.
Frellesen held separate discussions with OIC Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tarig Ali Bakheet as part of consultations with international and regional representatives.
Regional stability “featured prominently” during the visit, according to the EU statement. Frellesen urged Taliban authorities and Pakistan to resume dialogue to address their respective security concerns and emphasized “de-escalation and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
The EU also welcomed mediation efforts by regional and international partners, including the OIC.
Human rights were another major focus of Frellesen’s visit. The EU said the issue was raised in all of his discussions.
Frellesen met representatives of Afghan women’s civil society organizations and raised restrictions on women and girls in his meetings with Taliban authorities. The EU described those restrictions as a “key impediment to the normalisation of relations.”
Taliban authorities have imposed extensive restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in August 2021, including barring girls from education beyond sixth grade and women from universities, as well as restricting women’s employment and participation in public life.
On counternarcotics, Frellesen acknowledged efforts by Taliban authorities but expressed concern about what the EU described as a “renewed increase in poppy cultivation.”
He called for sustainable alternative livelihoods for farmers affected by counternarcotics measures, saying the EU is already providing support in that area.
Muttaqi, in his meeting with Frellesen, said international assistance for alternative livelihoods remained insufficient despite Taliban authorities’ efforts to curb narcotics production.
Frellesen also reiterated EU support for the UN-led Doha process on Afghanistan. He called for a “united and coordinated international community” and constructive engagement by Taliban authorities, saying Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community requires it to meet its international obligations.
He also emphasized the need for inclusive governance.
The EU said it would continue assistance to Afghans in health, education, resilience and livelihoods, including support for people returning from Iran and Pakistan. Frellesen said returns should be “safe, dignified and orderly.”
Climate change was also discussed with Taliban authorities and international representatives, with Frellesen calling for climate-related projects to be prioritized because of the risks facing Afghanistan.
Frellesen recently succeeded French diplomat Gilles Bertrand as the EU’s special envoy for Afghanistan. His Oct. 12-14 trip was his first visit to the country since taking up the role.