The Taliban political delegation met with the new EU Special Representative for Afghanistan to emphasize the security of diplomats and humanitarian workers.
A spokesman for the Taliban’s political bureau in Qatar, Mohammad Naeem, said the group, led by Taliban political bureau chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, had met with Thomas Nicholson, the new EU special envoy to Afghanistan and his delegation.
According to a Taliban spokesman, the group’s delegation called Nicholson’s appointment a good step towards “further strengthening” the Taliban’s relationship with the European Union.
The two sides discussed the Afghan peace process, the withdrawal of foreign troops, EU humanitarian aid, and the security of diplomats and staff of humanitarian organizations.
A Taliban spokesman said the group’s political delegation reassured the health and safety of diplomats and humanitarian staff.
“The security of diplomats and staff of humanitarian organizations is part of our national interest and our responsibility,” Naeem added.
Following the announcement of the closure of the Australian embassy in Kabul due to concerns over the security situation in Afghanistan, the Taliban had stated that the group would not pose a threat to diplomats and humanitarian workers.
