EU adopts new strategy to promote peace, stability in Afghanistan
October 17, 2017
The European Union (EU) has approved a new strategy on Afghanistan, reconfirming its long-term commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan, the organisation said on Monday.
The new strategy, adopted by the ministers of foreign affairs from all 28 EU member states, focuses on “four priority areas” which include promoting peace, stability and regional security, reinforcing democracy, the rule of law and human rights and promoting good governance and women’s empowerment, supporting economic and human development, addressing challenges related to migration.
“The Afghan people deserve peace and prosperity. As the European Union, we have been standing by them and will continue to do so, in support of the reform process, of Afghanistan’s democratic path, of the rule of law and human rights, and of bringing peace to the country, to the benefit not only of all Afghans but also of the entire region and the international community as a whole,” EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said while announcing the joint commission which set out the main elements of the EU Strategy in July this year.
“This work towards peace needs to be led by Afghans and owned by Afghans, but the active support of the region and of the international community is crucial. The Afghan people can count on the European Union to accompany this process.”
In recent years, Afghanistan has been confronted with a number of challenges that threaten the progress made in its economic and social development and its democratic institutions, a statement said. “The EU recognises that the delicate security situation and the fragile economic situation the country is facing, combined with a clear determination on the part of the Afghan authorities to implement much-needed reforms necessitates renewed attention from the international community,” it added.
As part of its new Strategy, the organisation will work in close cooperation with civil society, the Afghan authorities, and all stakeholders, towards lasting peace, a consolidated democracy, equitable development and social justice in Afghanistan.
