For the first time since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, high-ranking German diplomats visited Kabul.
The German Foreign Ministry said that German Special Representative for Afghanistan Jasper Vick and German Ambassador to Asia Markus Pochel were in talks with members of the Taliban government in the pro-Taliban capital on Thursday.
The talks focused on areas “where practical co-operation is both necessary and feasible”, in particular in dealing with the humanitarian crisis, the German foreign minister said.
The German embassy in Kabul was evacuated in mid-August amid lightning strikes by Islamist militants across the country.
Western governments face a dilemma following the return of fundamentalist Sunnis to power in Afghanistan. They are looking for ways to help the suffering population; but at the same time they do not want to offer support to the Taliban government, which is not recognized internationally.
There is particular concern about the social exclusion of women and girls. Most girls are not allowed to go to school. Women, especially those working in the public sector, have also been barred from taking their positions.
The Taliban say the measures are temporary. But there is no indication of when they will be removed.
During talks with German diplomats, Taliban government officials pledged to “guarantee safe and unhindered access” to aid workers, “including women”, to communities and citizens “in need”, according to Berlin.
The Islamist government also seemed to understand that “equal access for girls and boys to education is a national need.”
They also said they remained committed to the general amnesty promised to their opponents after taking power. In addition, they reiterated their promise to allow the safe passage of those Afghans who want to leave the country.
“We have recorded the commitments. “Further cooperation will depend on their implementation”, underlined the German Foreign Minister.
Messrs. Vic and Pochel were accompanied by Emil de Bond, the Dutch special envoy for Afghanistan. The delegation thanked Qatar for the support provided during the visit.
Mr. Pochel was previously based in Doha, the capital of Qatar. He was Germany’s ambassador to Kabul from 2014 to 2016.
There is not the slightest indication that the German embassy in Afghanistan will reopen soon.
.
