The meeting focused on a wide range of issues, including the situation of returnees from neighboring countries, preparation for the negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters, combating narcotics, providing alternative livelihoods for farmers, rehabilitating drug addicts, shifting assistance from humanitarian aid to developmental support, promoting economic efficiency in the delivery of aid, increasing the impact of aid through the use of domestic production and capacities, simplifying and shortening aid implementation processes, prioritizing the needs of the Afghan people in aid delivery, and strengthening coordination between humanitarian organizations and relevant government bodies.
FM Muttaqi stated that following decades of war, insecurity, narcotics, and other severe consequences of conflict, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is firmly committed to stabilizing the country across multiple sectors and reducing its reliance on humanitarian assistance. He noted, however, that this transition will take time and underscored the continued need for international support. He urged that aid efforts remain aligned with the needs and priorities of the Afghan people and be deployed in ways that foster long-term positive impacts on the domestic market, economic development, and national capacities.
In response, Mr. Tom Fletcher stated that the United Nations and the Afghan government are collaborating on shared objectives, including the normalization of Afghanistan’s relations with the international community, the promotion of security and regional stability, addressing the impacts of climate change, combating narcotics, and advancing other mutual interests, noting that, moving forward, local communities and aid beneficiaries will play a central role in decision-making processes regarding aid implementation. Mr. Fletcher also emphasized that transitioning from humanitarian assistance to development- and infrastructure-focused support, in line with the priorities of the Afghan people, remains a key goal of their engagement.
To end, FM Muttaqi, on behalf of the Islamic Emirate, reaffirmed a commitment to ensuring comprehensive cooperation, while both sides expressed their agreement to strengthen coordination and joint efforts directed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of international assistance.
