The special representatives and envoys of the European Union and the Central Asian Republics discussed the status quo of Afghanistan.
The EU’s special representative for Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, said in a series of tweets on Saturday night that this meeting was held in Brussels.
The third meeting of the EU and Central Asia Special Representatives and Special Envoys for Afghanistan and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia provided a platform for a comprehensive exchange on developments in Afghanistan and their impact on the region and beyond, a joint press statement published by EU’s External Action Service read.
The meeting was held among Special Representatives and Special Envoys for Afghanistan of the European Union, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia following their meeting on 20 January 2023 in Brussels, according to the press release.
The EU and Central Asian States envoys also “discussed the sharply deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan and, in that regard, emphasized the importance of upholding civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of all, including for women, children and persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities and of promoting respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms to achieve economic and political stability and ultimately lasting peace,” the press release read.
Afghanistan’s neighbors and the region have a crucial role in promoting a peaceful and stable Afghanistan where rights are respected, people have a voice and the country can develop, EU Special Envoy tweeted.
It was a pleasure to host in Brussels,together with @TerhiHakala, the Special Representatives and Envoys for #Afghanistan from the five Central Asian States. We had two days of bilateral and multilateral meetings, including with EU Member State. Commission and EEAS officials.
— Tomas Niklasson (@tomas_niklasson) January 28, 2023
The EU will continue to work closely with Central Asian countries to support that goal, Niklasson further added.
