Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Arafat Jamal, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Afghanistan, to discuss the safe, dignified and voluntary return of Afghan refugees and support for those returning to the country.

According to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on the return of Afghan refugees and measures to provide them with assistance and support following their arrival in Afghanistan.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Afghan government and UNHCR to improve conditions for returnees.

The meeting further addressed the need to coordinate the efforts of relevant countries and international organizations involved in, or interested in, supporting the return and reintegration of Afghan refugees.

The discussions come as the issue of Afghan refugee returns remains a key humanitarian and regional concern, with international organizations emphasizing the need for safe and dignified returns and continued assistance to returning families.

The fifth Imam Abu Hanifa National and International Exhibition will be held in Kabul from October 7 to 13, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) says.

Representatives from more than 20 countries are expected to attend, including Russia, India, Türkiye and Japan.

Ahmad Shakil Hazim, ACCI’s Deputy for Policy and Technical Affairs, said the exhibition would give traders, investors and producers an opportunity to showcase their products and expand business ties with international markets.

Economic experts say international trade exhibitions can strengthen commercial relations between Afghan and foreign businesses and help attract investment.

The fourth edition of the exhibition was held in Kabul last year, with officials saying trade agreements and contracts worth more than $700 million were signed between Afghan and foreign traders on the sidelines of the event.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a phone call with Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

According to the ministry, the two sides discussed the overall state of cooperation between the Islamic Emirate and the United Nations and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen and expand future cooperation.

The ministry said Muttaqi and DiCarlo also shared views on future engagement and cooperation regarding the Doha Process.

No further details were provided about the timing of the next round of engagement or specific areas of cooperation.