Governors representing Afghanistan’s seven administrative zones met in Kandahar on Saturday for a regular coordination session focused on security, governance and social issues across the country.

The meeting brought together the governors of Kandahar, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, Kunduz, Kabul and Paktia.

Under a decree issued by the leader of the Islamic Emirate, these officials are tasked not only with administering their respective provinces but also with coordinating affairs among provinces within their designated zones.

According to a statement from the Kandahar governor’s office, participants reviewed reports from meetings previously held in different zones and discussed common challenges facing provincial administrations.

The governors also examined measures implemented in various provinces and agreed that successful initiatives could be expanded to other zones where applicable.

The discussions covered a range of issues, including the implementation of decrees and directives issued by the Islamic Emirate’s leadership, efforts to strengthen security, crime prevention, improved coordination between civilian and security institutions, counter-narcotics measures and anti-corruption efforts.

Participants also discussed support for disabled Mujahideen and orphans, assistance for vulnerable families, and ways to accelerate responses to public concerns and requests.

The statement added that several issues raised during the meeting would be referred to the office of the leader of the Islamic Emirate for further guidance and consideration.

The European Union has nominated Nicola Bellomo as its new Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for Afghanistan, succeeding Veronika Boskovic Pohar, as part of a wider diplomatic reshuffle announced by the bloc.

The appointment was announced by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, alongside the nomination of 33 EU ambassadors and seven deputy heads of delegation around the world.

Bellomo, who is from Italy, currently serves as Head of Division for Pan-African Affairs at the European External Action Service (EEAS). He previously served as the European Union’s ambassador to Rwanda and has held a number of senior diplomatic roles within the EU.

The European Union said the appointments are part of its 2026 rotation process and will be finalized following the completion of the required administrative procedures and, where applicable, approval from host countries.

Bellomo will replace Veronika Boskovic Pohar, who has been nominated as the European Union’s ambassador to Cameroon after leading the EU Delegation in Afghanistan in recent years.

Gul Hassan Hassan, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Moscow, met Saturday separately with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin, and several other Russian officials on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

According to the Afghan Embassy in Russia, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties, expanding opportunities for Afghan traders, and supporting Afghan nationals and students residing in St. Petersburg.