The European Union has expressed its support for the appointment of Rabab Fatima as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and emphasized its commitment to continuing cooperation with UNAMA while advocating for Afghanistan to remain a priority in international engagements.
The EU welcomed the appointment of Rabab Fatima as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, reiterating the importance of maintaining global attention on Afghanistan’s evolving situation.
In a recent statement, EU foreign policy and security spokesperson Anwar al-Ainoni announced that Brussels is ready to work closely with Fatima, both in Kabul and on international platforms. He underscored that the global community should not forget about Afghanistan and that ongoing engagement with the country is crucial for addressing existing challenges.
The EU spokesperson also noted that collaboration with the new UN representative will encompass future steps under the Doha process. This initiative, led by the United Nations, aims to coordinate international interactions with Afghanistan and explore solutions to the country’s political, economic, and humanitarian issues. This is especially pertinent in light of the UN Security Council’s calls for urgent changes in Taliban policies amid Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
The UN Secretary-General had previously appointed Rabab Fatima, a Bangladeshi diplomat, as his new Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This leadership comes at a critical juncture when UNAMA’s future is under scrutiny.
This appointment comes at a time when UNAMA has played a pivotal role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, reporting on the situation in Afghanistan, and facilitating international discussions, including the Doha process. The organization remains a key player in the global community’s engagement with Afghanistan.