NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Wednesday called on the Taliban to "make good on their commitments on terrorism, human rights and safe passage for those who wish to leave Afghanistan." He was taking part in a virtual foreign ministerial meeting co-hosted by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and the German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. He underlined that NATO made important counterterrorism gains in Afghanistan and that there has not been a terrorist attack on NATO allies organized from Afghanistan since 9/11. According to a NATO statement, Stoltenberg emphasized that NATOآ's presence in Afghanistan has also enhanced regional security and stability for decades. Looking ahead, he stressed that terrorist groups must not be allowed to re-establish themselves in Afghanistan and noted that all NATO Allies stand together in the fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, the European Council President Charles Michel, Wednesday, said he discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi by telephone. On his twitter message today, Michel said that with Putin he discussed "the recent developments in Afghanistan and impact on broader region." "The EU and Russia share an interest in regional stability," he said. In a separate tweet, Michel said he discussed with president of Iran developments in Afghanistan and the importance to resume quickly the negotiations to bring the JCPOA back on track. "The EU and Iran have a common interest to work together on regional and global issues, including on Afghanistan," he said. "The international community shall spare no effort to respond to humanitarian crisis. As neighbor Iran played an important historical role in hosting Afghans," he noted. "On JCPOA, the EU will continue working with all participants and the US to ensure full implementation of the agreement," he said. "Let's seize this diplomatic window of opportunity for greater regional security," added Michel. — Agencies
