On Sunday evening a Taliban delegation headed by Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the deputy head of the group’s political office in Qatar, met with Tomas Niklasson, the newly appointed EU Special Representative for Afghanistan and his accompanying delegation to discuss the Afghan peace process.
In a statement issued by the Taliban’s spokesman, Mohammad Naeem, the Taliban welcomed Niklasson’s appointment and said it was “a good step towards further strengthening relations between the Taliban and the European Union.
The meeting discussed the current peace process, the withdrawal of foreign troops, EU humanitarian aid and the security of diplomats and foreign staff.
“The Board of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) once again assured the health and safety of diplomats and staff of human sectors and added that the safety of diplomats and staff of human sectors is part of the national interests of our country and is our responsibility,” their statement read.
The statement comes amid growing concerns for the safety of foreign missions, diplomats and international organizations and their staff once US and NATO troops withdraw.
Last month, Australia announced it was closing its embassy in Kabul, citing security concerns.
A number of other embassies in the Afghan capital have sent home non-essential personnel, warned their nationals against travelling to Afghanistan and urged those already in the country to consider leaving.
