A delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has held closed-door talks with European Union officials in Brussels, focusing on consular services for Afghans in Europe and the dignified return of Afghan nationals.
The meeting was held on Tuesday at an undisclosed location in the Belgian capital, which hosts both the EU and NATO headquarters.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the discussions covered the restoration of broad consular services for Afghans living in the EU, trust-building measures, consular presence and a dignified return process.
Balkhi, who led the five-member Afghan delegation, described the visit as historic, saying it was the first time a delegation from the Islamic Emirate had visited the EU and held talks with member states in Brussels.
Afghans remain one of the largest groups seeking asylum in Europe. Several EU governments are seeking to speed up returns for Afghan nationals whose asylum claims have been rejected or who have committed crimes in host countries.
A European Commission spokesperson said the meeting followed requests from EU member states for technical contacts on returns, initially focusing on individuals convicted of crimes or considered security risks.
The spokesperson said the talks were technical in nature and did not amount to formal recognition.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said Belgium issued limited visas to the Afghan delegation following security checks, in line with EU requests. The visas were valid for 24 hours in Belgium and did not allow travel to other Schengen countries.
The Brussels meeting follows earlier EU engagement with Afghan officials in Kabul in January, where the European Commission also maintains staff.