EU hosts Taliban officials for the first time in talks on deportations
Defence affairs - Def-Geopolitics The Taliban government is not recognised by any European country, despite the meeting in Brussels with EU officials. A Taliban delegation has held talks with the European Union in Brussels for the first time, in a visit fiercely criticised by rights activists. The meeting on Tuesday focused on diplomatic services and providing “dignified returns” for Afghans in Europe, a Taliban official said. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the visit “historic,” noting it was the first time a delegation from the Afghan government had held talks with the European Commission and EU nations in Brussels. The EU and its member countries have not recognised the Taliban government since the group returned to power in 2021 after 20 years of war against a US-backed government. Brussels has said its decision to hold limited talks with Afghanistan’s “de facto authorities” are necessary to deport asylum seekers w...
