On Saturday 18 February, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Afghanistan's Minister for Finance Eklil Hakimi signed a partnership and development agreement (see EUROPE 11724).
This agreement – the first contractual relationship between the EU and Afghanistan – establishes the legal framework for cooperation between the two parties. It confirms the EU's commitment to Afghanistan's future development during the 'Decade of Transformation' (2015-2024) and will provide a basis for the EU's ongoing support to Afghanistan in the implementation of Afghanistan's reform programme.
According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the agreement puts an emphasis on holding regular dialogue on political issues, including human rights, and will focus on an increasing range of areas such as the rule of law, health, rural development, education, science and technology, as well as actions to combat corruption, money laundering, the financing of terrorism, organised crime and narcotics. The agreement also provides for cooperation on migration and will enable the EU and Afghanistan to jointly address "global challenges", such as nuclear security, non-proliferation and climate change. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)