“We do not recognize the interim government, but we see value in engaging and discussing with them,” said European Union special envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson.  

He made the remarks at a press briefing in Kabul on Thursday.  

“I want to state that nothing has changed in terms of the EU’s overall position toward Afghanistan. We do not recognize the interim government, but we see value in engaging and discussing with them. We have re-established our presence on the ground through our delegation,” he said.  

The EU special envoy also pledged that humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan would continue. 

Niklasson expressed concerns over the imposition of restrictions on Afghan women, and girls’ education.  

“We have also seen restrictions on women participating in public life. We see no women in the senior positions in government,” he said.  

Niklasson said the EU’s assistance to Afghanistan has remained neutral. 

“Our humanitarian assistance is always based on a … needs assessment. The principles are very clear including neutrality and impartiality. We do not give food or services to the people we like or sympathize with or who are close to us in any way. We remain neutral. We remained neutral during the previous regime and the basic bases for our work throughout the world,” he said.   

After the Islamic Emirate swept into power, there have been several visits of foreign envoys but none of them have so far recognized Afghanistan.