The Taliban’s deputy prime minister for administrative affairs, Abdul Salam Hanafi, has called for strengthened political and economic relations with the European Union during a meeting with senior EU officials in Kabul.

Hanafi said the Taliban had “no problems” with European countries and sought engagement based on mutual respect.

According to the Taliban’s administrative office, Hanafi met on Friday with Andreas Papaconstantinou, the EU’s Director of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, and Veronika Boscovic, the EU chargé d’affaires. He expressed appreciation for the humanitarian support EU member states have provided to Afghans over the past four years.

The Taliban said Papaconstantinou reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to assisting the Afghan people, stressing that the union operates independently and aims to accurately assess needs and deliver effective aid. He said the EU has programmes focused on youth employment and support for returning migrants, along with efforts to mobilise additional humanitarian assistance.

Throughout the Taliban’s rule, the European Union has remained one of the primary supporters of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan. In addition to emergency aid, the EU has backed programmes aimed at developing skills and strengthening women-led businesses.

On Monday, the EU announced a contribution of €4.7 million towards economic empowerment through skills training and literacy programmes in Afghanistan. Implemented in cooperation with UNESCO, the initiative will support more than 7,000 people including returning migrants across five provinces.