EU foreign ministers discuss current situation in Afghanistan and future Union action
03 September 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev took part in an informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the EU Member States, which took place on 2nd and 3rd September 2021 in Kranj, Slovenia.
A key item on the agenda was the situation in Afghanistan and the need for a unified European approach and a clear and relevant EU strategy for Afghanistan in the current situation.
"A unified approach is needed to develop an ambitious and comprehensive EU strategy for Afghanistan," the Bulgarian first diplomat stressed, pointing to several key elements that should be embedded in the future European strategy.
These include: renewing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan; take timely measures for effective prevention of increasing migratory pressures on Europe, including strict control of those entering European territory and assistance to displaced persons in and around Afghanistan; active dialogue and close cooperation with the countries in the region; enhanced coordination with leading international and regional partners.
Ministers agreed on the need for strict conditionality in future contacts with Afghanistan's new government.
The meeting also briefly discussed the EU's relations with China and the opportunities and challenges in this regard, as well as the difficulties associated with increased migratory pressure on the EU's external border with Belarus.
At a working lunch with the Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, views were exchanged on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the possibilities for deepening cooperation.