Diplomats and representatives from various countries and institutions on Friday attended the first day of the Herat Security Dialogue, a conference in Herat province’s capital, to discuss issues concerning the region, including a potential Afghan peace process.

Participants’ remarks included a declaration of the Afghan people’s desire for peace, and also an entreaty to both the Taliban and the Afghan government to call for a ceasefire.

The EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Roland Kobia, referring to future governance in the country, said that if there was an “Islamic Emirate,” it would be “difficult” for the EU to continue its assistance to Afghanistan.

In this episode host Yaser Abrar discusses the topic with Ajmal Balochzada, political activist, and former deputy foreign minister Jawid Lodin.