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Qatar, Russia agree to prioritize humanitarian situation in Afghanistan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday that all countries involved in the Afghan refugee crisis need to come together to find a solution to the problem.
Addressing a joint press conference after talks with his Qatari counterpart Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is on an official visit to Moscow, Lavrov said: “Humanitarian reverberations of what happened are very, very grievous, as we share a concern about the threat of an increasing influx of refugees from Afghanistan into neighboring states.
“Most of them will try to make their way into Europe, but in the meantime, will definitely create considerable complications for the states where they may arrive uninvited.
“We emphasized the need to solve this problem at the soonest possible time. To do this, it is crucial to engage the capabilities of all the countries involved, first of all, those whose policies in Afghanistan have resulted in this sad turning of events,” Lavrov said.
The meeting between the two ministers focused on bilateral cooperation, the latest developments in the Middle East, and the humanitarian situation and security and political developments in Afghanistan.
The visit comes in the framework of Qatar’s endeavors to contribute to achieving comprehensive peace and lasting stability in Afghanistan, Gulf News reported.
Sheikh Mohammed meanwhile underlined that Qatar and Russia agreed on the need to find a solution to the situation in Afghanistan, and that humanitarian aid should be independent of any political developments, adding that the Islamic Emirate should coordinate to secure the exit of those who wish to leave the country.
Sheikh Mohammed noted that the two sides discussed the issue of Kabul International Airport and the need to establish a humanitarian aid corridor and support the freedom of movement.
Lavrov in turn welcomed the Qatari initiatives and endeavors aimed at achieving stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.
Lavrov noted that Qatar and Russia agreed on the need to give priority to the humanitarian situation and aid in Afghanistan, and that the two sides discussed fears of the continued flow of refugees and its repercussions on the neighbouring countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, has urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an event at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos against India, Nizamani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “brotherly ties” with Afghanistan.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad’s initiatives reflected its commitment to regional and global peace.
During the ceremony, Nizamani reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend itself against any aggression.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” the ambassador said, calling for heightened vigilance against regional threats.
Pakistani officials have consistently claimed that militants use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied this claim and said that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s security failures.
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
Afghanistan signs $20 million contract for gold mining in Kunduz
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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