EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini welcomed the signing on Thursday 29 September of the peace agreement between the Afghan government and former Taliban and al-Qaeda ally Hezb-e-Islami. The agreement was initialled on 22 September (see EUROPE 11630).
“For the first time in 15 years, a significant peace agreement has been signed today in Afghanistan. The government of Afghanistan and Hezb-e-Islami have managed to engage in a true political process; one that has brought results”, said Mogherini in a press release. She hoped this success would encourage others to come forward and commit to peace.
“The challenge now lies in ensuring that the parties fully implement the agreement”, she made clear, stating that this would require patience, flexibility and determination from all sides. “Peace belongs to everyone and it is important for a sustainable peace process that women and men are actively involved in the implementation and can equally reap the benefits”, she said.
Mogherini stated again that the EU had always been and would continue to be engaged in supporting Afghanistan, both financially and politically. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)