Kabul says the European Union has expressed support for Afghanistan’s security and efforts to combat narcotics, while calling for greater international assistance to provide alternative livelihoods for farmers.

Thomas Frellesen, the European Union’s special representative for Afghanistan, has met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Islamic Emirate’s foreign minister, to discuss security, humanitarian concerns, political relations and cooperation in combating narcotics.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Frellesen had reaffirmed the EU’s official position of supporting security in Afghanistan and efforts to combat narcotics.

The EU representative also expressed his willingness to work towards expanding cooperation between the two sides in various fields, Takal said.

According to the ministry, Muttaqi stressed that the international community had not provided sufficient assistance to help farmers develop alternative livelihoods or sustain Afghanistan’s progress in combating narcotics.

He called for greater international support to address these challenges and help maintain the gains made in reducing drug production.

Frellesen also met with Afghanistan’s interior minister on Tuesday, with the discussions focusing on engagement between Afghanistan and the European Union, the country’s security situation, regional stability and counter-narcotics efforts.

The meetings form part of the EU representative’s ongoing engagement with officials of the Islamic Emirate as the bloc seeks to address security and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has previously said that, although the European Union does not recognise the Islamic Emirate as Afghanistan’s government, it remains committed to supporting the Afghan people.

The latest meetings highlight continued engagement between the EU and Afghan authorities on issues of mutual concern, despite the absence of formal recognition by the bloc. (ILKHA)