The EU top diplomat Federica Mogherini and the European Commission have adopted a Joint Communication on elements for an EU strategy on Afghanistan to set out their vision for support of Afghanistan both  addressing  the ‘delicate security situation’ and the ‘fragile economic situation’ it is facing in view of bring about positive change for the Afghan people.

“The Afghan people deserve peace and prosperity. As the European Union, we have been standing by them and will continue to do so, in support of the reform process, of Afghanistan’s democratic path, of the rule of law and human rights, and of bringing peace to the country, to the benefit not only of all Afghans but also of the entire region and the international community as a whole” – Mogherini said.

“Afghanistan is not alone. We will continue the support which we have been providing since 2002 – to make sure that the development achievements of the last years are not lost” Neven Mimica, the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, said.

 The Joint Communication focusses on five priority areas, namely: peace, stability and regional security; democracy, the rule of law and human rights; economic and human development; migration; and empowering women and proposes ways in which the European Union can work, in close cooperation with civil society, the Afghan authorities, and all stakeholders, towards lasting peace, a consolidated democracy, equitable development and social justice in Afghanistan