The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West talked with former president Hamid Karzai and former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah on a range of issues, West said on Tuesday evening.

West said that in separate telephone discussions he discussed humanitarian aid, human rights and the way forward with Karzai and Abdullah on Monday.  “I had the opportunity to speak yesterday with (former president) Karzai and Dr. Abdullah separately. Thankful for their valuable counsel on international engagement in support of the Afghan people, the humanitarian and economic situation, rights of women and girls and minority groups, and the way ahead this winter,” he tweeted.

Abdullah also said he had talked with West about the situation in Afghanistan and added that he hopes all sides take actions to prevent a catastrophe in Afghanistan. “We exchanged views on the current humanitarian crisis, new initiatives and practical solutions to address the livelihood, liquidity, educational and healthcare challenges facing Afghan men and women,” Abdullah said in a tweet.

Hamid Karzai also in a tweet says that he and West talked about the humanitarian situation and girls’ education in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the US on Tuesday announced a new contribution of more than $308 million in humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan. The White House, announcing the new aid, said the US will also provide one million additional Covid-19 vaccine doses through COVAX.

“This brings total US humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region to nearly $782 million since October 2021, and we remain the single largest donor of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan,” the statement reads.