European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday the EU must support the people of Afghanistan to prevent imminent economic and social collapse that the country faces.

Speaking during the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the European Union’s chief executive said it was crucial for the EU to avoid imminent economic and social collapse in Afghanistan, despite not recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) leadership.

Last month, the European Union announced a humanitarian package worth 1 billion Euro for the Afghan people and neighboring countries, including a 300 million Euro in humanitarian aid.

Speaking from Phnom Penh during the summit’s closing ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called on ASEM and its partners to strengthen the partnership between Asia and Europe.