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EU announces 25 million euros to boost food security and resilience in Afghanistan
The European Union (EU) has announced a 25 million euros contribution through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen community resilience and promote more nutritious diets across Afghanistan.
“The European Union’s new contribution to WFP demonstrates our continued commitment to the Afghan people, notably women, children, and vulnerable local communities,” said Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, EU Chargé d’affaires in Afghanistan. “Agriculture and food value chains must be equipped to bolster Afghans’ nutrition, health, and economic resilience. Through our integrated approach to climate resilience, we are also helping vulnerable rural communities protect their livelihoods and income against natural disasters and long-term devastating impacts of climate change.”
The funding will support WFP initiatives focused on improving food value chains and climate adaptation. Key projects include upgrading community assets such as flood protection walls and irrigation systems, reducing climate-related risks, and safeguarding productive assets essential for local economic stability.
A significant portion of the investment will build on WFP’s school meals programme, training women’s associations and youth entrepreneurs to supply fresh, fortified snacks to schoolchildren. This approach aims to stimulate local economies while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
John Aylieff, WFP Representative and Country Director in Afghanistan, expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, noting that the investment aims to deliver a “triple return: stronger livelihoods and resilience, more robust local food systems, and expanded opportunities for women and youth.”
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
The Land Grabbing Prevention Commission has verified and secured more than 27.5 million jeribs of public grazing land in three provinces across Afghanistan over the past year, the Ministry of Justice said on Thursday.
The commission reported that extensive surveys were carried out in Faryab, Badghis, and Badakhshan, resulting in the formal identification and registration of over 27.57 million jeribs of pasture land.
According to the findings, more than 9.3 million jeribs were confirmed in Faryab, over 4.1 million jeribs in Badghis, and upwards of 14 million jeribs in Badakhshan. The grazing lands are located across provincial centers as well as all districts within these provinces.
The commission emphasized that survey and verification teams are currently working in other provinces to assess additional grazing lands.
Once the assessment process is completed in those areas, the lands will also be formally recorded in the land bank, ensuring legal protection and proper management.
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