KABUL, Afghanistan — The European Union’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, addressed a briefing in Kabul about his four-day visit to the country. He said the focus was on better preparations for organizing a constructive meeting in Doha.
Niklasson’s visit included discussions with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief, Taliban officials, Afghan political figures like Hamid Karzai, NGO representatives, and others.
“The main focus of my visit this time was to compare notes with the de facto authorities, other Afghans and representatives of the diplomatic community to help us set realistic expectations and prepare better for a constructive Doha meeting,” Niklasson said.
He also mentioned his upcoming attendance at a meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, next week.
Following Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu’s independent assessment, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2721 (2023) on Dec. 29, 2023, which led to the upcoming Doha meeting.
“Unlike last year, representatives of the de facto authorities and other Afghans have been, or will be, invited to this meeting,” Niklasson confirmed.
The visit precedes the special envoys’ meeting in Doha scheduled for Feb. 18-19.
