The Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today, citing Gilles Bertrand, the European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, that Europe’s doors are open to Afghan exports and that Afghan products, especially dried fruits, have a “good market” in Europe.
According to the statement, Bertrand made these remarks during a meeting with Mohammad Naeem, Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration at the Taliban Foreign Ministry.
The statement added that the two sides discussed the expansion of political, economic, and trade relations, as well as continued cooperation.
Mohammad Naeem expressed appreciation for the European Union’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and stressed that such assistance should be directed toward development programs to increase job opportunities and play an effective role in addressing the country’s core problems.
He emphasized relations based on mutual respect and said that dialogue and diplomacy are the best and most effective way to resolve issues, adding that this approach is a priority for the Taliban in addressing challenges.
Trade, economic, and political relations between the Taliban and Europe remain very limited. In recent months, the European Union has sought to engage in “technical” cooperation with the Taliban regarding the deportation of Afghan migrants.
None of the European countries maintains normal relations with the Taliban.
