The European Union has confirmed it has opened preliminary communication with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) as part of efforts to increase the deportation of failed Afghan asylum seekers from Europe.

EU spokesperson Markus Lammert told reporters in Brussels on Monday that the European Commission had begun “exploratory contacts at technical level” with the IEA authorities in Kabul earlier this year to improve coordination among member states on migration returns.

The move follows growing pressure from within the bloc, after 20 EU member states — led by Belgium — signed a joint letter urging Brussels to engage with the IEA to facilitate both voluntary and forced repatriations.

“We are unable to return irregular Afghan nationals, even after a conviction,” Belgian migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said in a statement. “This undermines public trust in asylum policy and affects our collective security. It is time for Europe to act together.”

The letter was also signed by Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Many of these countries have been calling for a tougher stance on migration amid growing domestic concern and the rise of hard-right political movements across Europe.

According to EU data, fewer than 20 percent of migrants ordered to leave the 27-member bloc are returned to their countries of origin.

Sweden’s migration minister, Johan Forssell, told AFP that member states could share resources to facilitate deportations.

“There could be joint planes to Afghanistan,” he said, adding that an EU team had already held technical discussions in Kabul. “We need to find common solutions here.”

The EU continues to maintain a limited diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, though Brussels has stressed that such engagement “does not bestow any legitimacy” on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Contacts have so far been confined to areas such as humanitarian assistance and development.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Egypt have welcomed the ceasefire agreement recently reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan, describing it as a significant step toward regional peace and stability.

The OIC General Secretariat congratulated both countries for their efforts in reaching the agreement, announced on October 19, 2025, in Doha under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar. The organization expressed hope that the agreement would restore understanding and harmony, foster mutual trust, strengthen cooperative and neighborly relations, and consolidate peace across the region.

The OIC also praised the mediation role played by Türkiye in facilitating the deal.

Similarly, Egypt expressed strong support for the ceasefire.

In a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cairo welcomed the pact and highlighted the establishment of mechanisms aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability between the two neighboring countries.

Egypt emphasized that the agreement could help end border tensions, prevent further bloodshed, and advance long-term security in the region. The statement also underscored the importance of diplomatic solutions and constructive dialogue to resolve disputes, reaffirming Egypt’s backing for initiatives seeking peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has confirmed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has agreed to three key conditions under a ceasefire framework reached between the two neighboring countries.

The conditions include ending support for armed groups, maintaining a truce along the Durand Line, and facilitating the dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

Speaking to Pakistani media, Asif said the agreement aims to establish lasting peace in the region, with full details expected to be announced by October 25.

He said that Qatar and Türkiye mediated the talks, which he described as a positive sign of both nations’ willingness to pursue stability and cooperation.

According to the Pakistani Defence Minister, the ceasefire’s continuation depends on the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to halting support for militant factions. “If infiltration resumes, the ceasefire could collapse,” he warned, adding that discussions were held exclusively with the IEA government.

Asif noted that the first phase of the negotiations took place in Doha in a calm and constructive atmosphere. “Both sides demonstrated goodwill and a sincere desire to rebuild trust and achieve peace,” he said.

He further confirmed that the second round of talks will be held later this month in Türkiye, where the two sides will outline the framework for future cooperation and monitoring of the ceasefire implementation.

Asif also stated that the repatriation of Afghan refugees will proceed gradually and humanely, in coordination with Kabul authorities and international organizations.

In a notable remark, the minister said: “If the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan maintains relations with India, we have no objection.”

He concluded by emphasizing that the success of the agreement depends on honesty and implementation, adding: “Peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the key to stability across the entire region.”