The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Washington D.C., where they discussed various matters including Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters, Blinken said that the US and UN are “working closely together when it comes to Afghanistan – the deep concerns that so many countries share about the steps the Taliban has taken when it comes to denying the rights of women and girls, the broader humanitarian and economic situation, where again, the United Nations is playing a leadership role.”

“On this and so many other issues, our collaboration, our coordination is more vital than ever,” Blinken said.

But the Islamic Emirate criticized Blinken’s remarks, saying that Washington should change its policy toward Afghanistan.

“If the United Nations and also the countries have wishes and concerns they should share them with the Islamic Emirate. We have answers for them and if there is any problem, we will make efforts to solve it. But there are issues belonging to Afghanistan’s law and linked to the values in Afghanistan, they should not interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, Islamic Emirate’s spokesman.

Women’s rights activists meanwhile said the lack of women and girls’ access to work and education is a main challenge in Afghanistan.

“The participation of all political sides and groups, including women, in Afghanistan, without considering language and ethnicity, is in fact vital for the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan,” said Marriam Marouf Arveen, women’s rights activist.

“As much as these restrictions grow, with education and work of women, it will have a very negative impact on the society which will not be easy to compensate for in the future,” said Roveena, a student.

This comes as a major UN summit on Afghanistan is due to be held on May 1 and May 2 in Doha.