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China’s envoy meets with EU officials to discuss Afghanistan
Yue said both sides stressed the need for “continuous engagement” and called for increased international attention to Afghanistan’s rebuilding efforts
China’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, met with European Union officials this week to discuss the evolving situation in Afghanistan, highlighting efforts for the country’s reconstruction amid ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian crises.
Yue met with Tomas Niklasson, the EU’s special envoy for Afghanistan, and the bloc’s Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Following the meeting, Yue posted on X, that both sides stressed the need for “continuous engagement” and called for increased international attention to Afghanistan’s rebuilding efforts.
Beijing has emerged as a critical partner of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan over the past three years and China’s growing influence in Afghanistan has the potential to foster increased cooperation, promote regional integration, and effectively tackle various obstacles, including security challenges.
Since the rise of the Islamic Emirate, China has actively sought engagement with Afghanistan, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the country’s reconstruction and development, The Diplomat reported recently, adding that Chinese enterprises have displayed a keen interest in investing in Afghanistan.
Last week however, China’s Premier Li Qiang called on the Islamic Emirate to adopt “moderate policies” and form an inclusive government.
According to a joint statement issued by Li and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the two officials also emphasized the need to prevent the use of Afghanistan’s soil against its neighbors and called for an effective and measurable fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.
At the time, Li had been in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.
Li and Sharif also called for the strengthening of anti-terrorism cooperation on a bilateral and multilateral level and called on the Islamic Emirate government to take concrete and verifiable measures to eliminate terrorist groups active in this country.
The two leaders also emphasized the importance of strengthening communication and coordination regarding the situation in Afghanistan and called for “coordinated efforts of the international community to encourage the Islamic Emirate to establish an inclusive political framework and implement moderate policies.”
The two countries agreed to play a constructive role in supporting the sustainable development of Afghanistan and its integration into the international community.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
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