Afghanistan at Center of Talks Between EU and OIC Officials
Recently, Gilles Bertrand, the European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with several officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including Tariq Ali Bakhit, the OIC’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan.
Bertrand said that the OIC is working to maintain constructive dialogue with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. According to him, these efforts focus on issues such as human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls as well as Afghanistan’s humanitarian and development needs.
Gilles Bertrand, the EU Special Representative for Afghanistan, added: “Special Envoy Tarig Ali Bakheet and other OIC institutions briefed us on efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, addressing humanitarian and development issues and concerns related to human rights, including women’s and girls.”
These meetings come as an OIC delegation was expected to visit Afghanistan; however, the exact date of the visit has not yet been determined. Meanwhile, questions remain as to how effective the efforts of the European Union and the OIC have been for Afghanistan.
Mohammad Aslam Daneshmal, a university lecturer, said: “It is very important for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union to jointly focus on solutions that lead to progress and increased cooperation with Afghanistan.”
Previously, an OIC meeting emphasized the need for a balanced approach toward Afghanistan.
