Central Asia and EU discuss security and stability in Afghanistan

The Special Representatives and Envoys of Central Asian States and the European Union gathered for a meeting in Tajikistan to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Participants examined the country’s socio-economic and political conditions, focusing on human rights concerns, particularly those affecting women and girls, alongside security challenges and emerging threats.

Tomas Niklasson, the EU’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, attended the meeting and held discussions with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Both emphasized the fragile situation in Afghanistan and stressed the importance of ensuring regional stability. Additionally, they explored potential approaches to address shared challenges during their talks.

This gathering underscores the continuous collaboration between regional countries and the international community to coordinate support for Afghanistan and address regional security challenges. Over the years, Special Representatives and Envoys for Afghanistan have convened multiple times to adapt to the evolving situation in the country. To date, the UN has organized three meetings of special envoys on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar.

The most recent of these meetings took place in July 2024, with the de facto authorities of Afghanistan attending only one of the three sessions. The previous meeting in Central Asia, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, included the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbaeva, EU officials, and representatives from the five Central Asian states, but no delegates from the de facto authorities were present. Discussions centered on coordinated efforts to support the Afghan people and preparations for the upcoming international conference in Doha.

These gatherings highlight the joint efforts of regional states and the international community to share perspectives on Afghanistan’s evolving situation and its broader regional impact. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to fostering cooperation aimed at supporting the Afghan people, strengthening regional security, and building resilience to address the challenges facing Afghanistan while promoting stability in the region.

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