Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Discusses Drug Trafficking and Afghan Repatriation with EU Special Envoy

Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban, held talks with Gilles Bertrand, the EU’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, in Kabul on Wednesday. This marks Bertrand’s first visit to Kabul since his appointment to the position.

During the meeting, Hanafi expressed gratitude for the EU’s assistance to Afghanistan and Afghan migrants. He also reiterated the Taliban’s desire to maintain positive relations with both regional and international countries.

Gilles Bertrand, a seasoned EU diplomat with prior experience in Afghanistan, emphasized that supporting Afghan women and girls is a key priority for the European Union. The EU delegation in Kabul has not yet released an official statement regarding Bertrand’s visit.

The EU appointed Gilles Bertrand as its new Special Envoy for Afghanistan in October 2023. He is an experienced diplomat with a history of working in Afghanistan and other conflict zones.