The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Tuesday evening that the Islamic Emirate delegates held talks with European Union’s representatives today in Doha and discussed Afghanistan’s requirements as well as the humanitarian, health and education situation.

According to the statement released late Tuesday, the Islamic Emirate delegates reassured the EU envoys that the new ruling government of Afghanistan is committed to upholding the legitimate rights of the society, and described the situation as satisfactory.

The EU representatives showed readiness to increase humanitarian aid as well as health and education assistance to Afghanistan.

The statement further said the participants emphasized the importance of continuing such meetings.

The Islamic Emirate is making efforts so the EU and other countries announce recognition and setup diplomatic relations where at least the foreign envoys for Afghanistan, who are currently in Doha, come to Afghanistan, said Aziz Maarej, a former Afghan diplomat.

The current starvation in Afghanistan needs to be prevented, the EU must continue assistance to Afghanistan as it has during the last 20 years, said Hamed Aziz Mujadidi, university professor.

Tomas Niklasson, special envoy of the EU for Afghanistan, said he expressed the EU’s grave concerns about enforced disappearances and unlawful arrests, and about women being mistreated by police during peaceful demonstrations. We also pointed to the lack of political representation and the systematic denial of the rights of women and minorities, he tweeted.

Niklasson added that access to education in Afghanistan was discussed at the meeting, and the Afghan delegation referred to the opening of universities for men and women and its commitment to open primary and secondary schools for boys and girls throughout the country in March.

The EU remains committed to the Afghan people and is delivering 500 million euros in assistance through UN and NGOs focusing on food, health, WASH and protection, education and livelihood, Niklasson wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, representatives from Gulf states who met with Islamic Emirate delegates underscored the need for guaranteeing human rights.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed the necessity of a national reconciliation plan that respects basic freedoms and rights, including women’s right to work and education.