Latest News
EU asks Afghanistan’s neighbours to prevent exploitation of migrants
The European Union’s top diplomat on Monday urged Afghanistan’s northern neighbours to help prevent what he described as the abuse of migrants for political goals by the Belarusian authorities, Reuters reported
The EU also presented to the former Soviet republics its 1 billion euro plan to support both Afghanistan and its neighbours in areas from basic humanitarian help to migration management.
According to the report the EU accuses Belarus of flying in thousands of people from the Middle East and pushing them to cross into the bloc via Poland, Lithuania and Latvia in retaliation for EU sanctions imposed on Minsk over President Alexander Lukashenko’s crushing of protests against his disputed re-election last year.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen met foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, Reuters reported.
“I updated ministers on the situation on the borders of the European Union with Belarus and I’ve requested their support in preventing this instrumentalisation of human beings at the risk of their life: cheating people, convincing them that there is a way to Europe through a flight to Minsk,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told a briefing after the meeting.
Speaking at the same briefing, Urpilainen said she had presented to the former Soviet republics the EU’s 1 billion euro Afghan support package, almost half of which is in fact earmarked for neighbouring countries.
She did not say, however, whether Brussels expected them to host any refugees in return – something that local governments have so far expressed little willingness to do.
In a joint communique, participants acknowledged a need to boost cooperation on preventing irregular movements of people and countering migrant smuggling, and said they looked forward to intensifying EU-Central Asia cooperation in managing borders.
Torkham commissioner Mullah Abdul Jabbar Hikmat said Thursday the crossing will be closed for the next three days in order for Pakistan border authorities to move into new premises.
He said the crossing has been closed to travelers and to people seeking medical help in Pakistan.
Hikmat appealed to the public not to make their way to the crossing over the next three days.
However, trucks carrying goods will still be able to cross as per usual, in both directions.
Pakistani media has also reported that the crossing will be closed from May 17 to May 19 in order to enable border officials to move into new premises.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that one person was killed and 12 were injured when a helicopter crashed in Firozkoh, the capital of Ghor province.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, said on X that on Wednesday morning, an Air Force Mi-17 helicopter, which was sent to Ghor province, experienced technical problems and crashed into a wall during an emergency landing.
In footage published by Afghan media, the wreckage of a helicopter can be seen lying in a fast-flowing river, with crowds of people gathered around it.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Defense said the helicopter had been sent to Firozkoh to retrieve bodies of car crash victims.
The spokesman said a car plunged into the Harirod River a few days ago, resulting in the death of a few people.
Takeyoshi Kuramaya, Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, said in a meeting with Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the political deputy prime minister, that the lack of diplomatic presence of Western countries in Afghanistan has caused them to be unaware of the positive developments in the country.
According to him, the international community should have direct contact with the Islamic Emirate.
Kuramaya also said Japan is committed to cooperating with Afghans in dealing with natural disasters, treating drug addicts and finding alternative crops for former poppy farmers.
On the other hand, Kabir said at this meeting that due to the support of the people, the Islamic Emirate has been able to ensure national peace, start big projects and make many other improvements.
The political deputy added that the Islamic Emirate is trying to solve people’s problems and wants positive interactions and broad relations with the world.
Torkham crossing closes temporarily to travelers
Sorkh Poshan Khafi and Sarsabz Yashlar win in ACL matches
EU adds Russian media outlets to sanctions list despite Kremlin warning
Putin arrives in China to deepen strategic partnership with Xi
Tahawol: China’s ambassador meeting with deputy PM discussed
Commerce ministry inks 10 MoUs to boost development of small and medium-sized businesses
Rashid Khan threatens BBL pullout after Australia postpones Afghanistan T20I series
Afghanistan announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rashid Khan named AWCC’s brand ambassador
Balkh health officials report sharp increase in number of cancer patients
Tahawol: China’s ambassador meeting with deputy PM discussed
Saar: USIP’s report on Daesh threats discussed
Tahawol: Afghanistan losing UN voting rights discussed
Tahawol: Uzbek delegation’s visit to Kabul discussed
Saar: UNAMA head’s meeting with Iranian officials discussed
-
Business5 days agoPakistan: Consultations underway on preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, Pakistan agree on new travel mechanism for truckers
-
Sport4 days agoKolkata down Mumbai to confirm IPL play-off berth
-
Business3 days agoAfghanistan can become important industrial center in region: Hanafi
-
Latest News4 days agoEx-MP Allah Gul Mujahid arrested in connection with a murder
-
Latest News4 days agoBaghlan floods leave 315 dead and over 15,00 injured so far
-
Latest News4 days agoSeveral countries express solidarity with Afghanistan after flash floods kill hundreds
-
Latest News4 days agoInvesting in Afghanistan mines can be profitable for Iranian industry: Qiafeh