Riyad-European Union Foreign Policy Officer said on Sunday that the Taliban government’s actions so far were “less encouraging” and that the economic collapse of Afghanistan would increase the risk of terrorism and other threats.
Josep Borrell also said in a joint press conference with Saudi Arabia’s counterparts that he hopes that nuclear negotiations between world powers and Iran will resume “immediately” in Vienna.
After visiting Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, EU diplomats in Riyadh explained to their partners the prospects for resuming nuclear negotiations and said they had exchanged views with Saudi officials on Yemen and Afghanistan.
The EU has increased humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power, but has suspended development aid. This is a move made by other countries and the World Bank.
“Sure, it’s a dilemma, because if you want to help avoid an economic collapse, you can, in a sense, consider supporting the government … depending on their actions. And Their actions so far are not very encouraging, “Borell said.
“If the economy collapses, the humanitarian situation will worsen. The tensions for people to leave the country will increase, the threat of terrorism will increase, and the risk of affecting the international community emanating from Afghanistan will increase.” He added.
Looking to the region, the EU said it was ready to pursue trade agreements with the Gulf states, and said the block supported the impetus for modernization in Saudi Arabia.
Brussels is also working on human rights, he added, hoping that the dialogue will produce “true results.”
The promotion of social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia was accompanied by a crackdown on opposition. This caused intense international surveillance after Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed at the Kingdom’s Istanbul Consulate.
Riyadh also faces criticism of Yemen and leads a military coalition that has fought the Houthi movement in collaboration with Iran for more than six years.
Described Yemen as a “terrible tragedy,” Borel expressed his support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict, which is primarily seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Salman Al-Saud said Riyadh is having a “very strong” dialogue with the United States to end the war.
Raya Jarabi
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