European nations considering opening a diplomatic mission in Afghanistan

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News December 5, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

Several European nations, including France, considering opening a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, French President Emmanuel Macron said on December 4.

French President Macron told reporters in Doha, Qatar, “We are thinking of an organization between several European countries … a common location for several Europeans, which would allow our ambassadors to be present.”

Macron said, “We will have a representation as soon as we can open”. However, the French president stressed that a diplomatic mission in Afghanistan would not mean recognition of the Taliban government in the country.

“This is a different demarche than a political recognition or political dialogue with the Taliban … we will have a representation as soon as we can open,” Macron added.

French President Macron made the remarks during his Gulf tour from to the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia from December 3-4.

ALSO Read: UAE buys 80 Rafale fighter jets from France in $19 billion deal

French President Macron stated his country’s objective in the region as promoting peace and supporting regional allies in combatting terrorism. “For me, the objective is peace, stability and the fight against terrorism” in the region, Macron said.

The United States and European Union nations refused to recognize the Taliban government, after the group took power in Afghanistan on August 15. However, several countries including the U.S., Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and European nations have held direct talks with the Taliban leaders to support the humanitarian missions and promote regional peace and security.

On December 3, a French foreign ministry spokeswoman said that France conducted an evacuation mission in Afghanistan with the help of Qatar. France evacuated 258 Afghan nationals including journalists, civilian workers employed by the French army, and people with links to France. The evacuated people also included 11 French nationals and 60 Dutch nationals. According to the statement, France and Qatar also conducted a joint humanitarian mission and delivered 40 tons of food and supplies, and medical equipment to international organizations in Afghanistan.

Last week, after holding talks with the Taliban delegation led by interim foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi, the European Union statement suggested that the EU is considering reopening its mission in Afghanistan.

European External Action Service said in its statement that “the dialogue does not imply recognition by the EU of the interim (Taliban) government but is part of EU’s operational engagement, in the interest of the EU and the Afghan people.”

“The EU delegation underlined that the possibility of establishing a minimal presence on the ground in Kabul, which would not entail recognition, will directly depend on the security situation, as well as on effective decisions by the de facto authorities to allow the EU to ensure adequate protection of its staff and premises,” the statement read.

According to the statement, “The two sides expressed grave concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as winter is arriving,” and the EU is willing to continue supplying humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

The statement also highlighted that the Taliban officials asked for EU’s help in preventing the humanitarian crisis and maintaining operations of Afghanistan’s airports.