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Senior officials meet in Brussels to coordinate global response to Afghanistan crisis
The OIC highlighted the role of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund, managed by the Islamic Development Bank, in supporting neutral and needs-based aid delivery.
Senior officials from the European Union, United Nations, G7 countries, Gulf states, and civil society groups gathered in Brussels this week for a high-level Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) focused on coordinating international efforts to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
The two-day conference, co-hosted by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU’s development and humanitarian arms (DG INTPA and DG ECHO), came amid growing concern over Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. According to the UN, more than 23 million people in the country are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
“The discussions focused on political developments, humanitarian challenges, and basic needs support in the country, including a new EU humanitarian aid package of over €161 million for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries,” a statement issued by EEAS read.
“The humanitarian aid package announced by the EU will provide food, healthcare, malnutrition treatment, clean water, sanitation, legal and protection services, emergency education (especially for girls), and disaster preparedness.
“All aid is delivered exclusively through humanitarian partners working directly on the ground,” the statement read.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also took part, with its delegation highlighting the role of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund, managed by the Islamic Development Bank, in supporting neutral and needs-based aid delivery.
EU officials stressed that humanitarian assistance must remain non-political and reach all regions of Afghanistan. They also called for renewed coordination among donors, aid organizations, and regional actors to prevent further collapse of basic services.
The participants also explored ways to improve the living conditions of the Afghan population, especially through agricultural development, private sector engagement, and access to finance.
They put a strong emphasis on the principled “by women, for women” approach to aid delivery. This is critical for ensuring women’s participation and fostering local economic growth, their statement read.
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IEA should respond to Pakistan’s security concerns with concrete actions: Andrabi
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi says both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, who visited Islamabad on Thursday, expressed their mutual commitment to a peaceful, stable Afghanistan with a sustainable future for the Afghan people.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Andrabi stated that both sides agreed that the Islamic Emirate must fulfill its obligations toward the international community and take concrete steps against terrorist groups to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
This comes while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and that it will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country.
The Islamic Emirate has also stated that Pakistan’s security concerns are an internal issue of that country, and Pakistan itself must take measures to prevent any security incidents.
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Malaysia’s PM calls peaceful solution to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions between the Afghanistan–Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar said he emphasized Malaysia’s concerns regarding regional stability and urged all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
His remarks follow media reports indicating heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of attacks in October.
During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on several aspects of Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar also briefed Sharif on the ongoing flood situation in Malaysia and similar challenges facing neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
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Afghanistan makes major strides in cutting drug trafficking, says Putin
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Afghanistan has taken “active and effective” steps to curb drug trafficking, noting a significant drop in opium production across the country. He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with India Today during his India trip, highlighting what he described as “visible progress” in Afghanistan’s internal security efforts.
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders. He added that Afghanistan has also made important advancements in the fight against terrorism.
Responding to a question about why Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, the Russian president said Afghanistan had been engulfed in civil conflict for many years, but the current authorities now hold control over the country. “This is the reality, and it must be acknowledged,” Putin emphasized.
He further noted that maintaining contact with Afghanistan’s leadership is crucial for shaping events inside the country. “If you want influence, you must engage with the people in charge — and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Putin’s remarks come as several regional powers continue to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
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