Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Paragraph: 77
We recognise the necessity of having to work with the Taliban.
Conclusion
We recognise the necessity of having to work with the Taliban. We endorse the Government’s policy of developing a pragmatic working relationship with the Taliban to enable humanitarian aid to reach the people of Afghanistan.
Paragraph Reference:
77
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
FCDO officials continue to engage in pragmatic dialogue with the Taliban. Pending our being able to restore a diplomatic presence in Kabul, we have opened a temporary UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha to lead our diplomatic engagement. Senior officials have visited Kabul, and we have taken opportunities to meet Taliban representatives in third countries. Our engagement aims to address the humanitarian crisis and to ensure that aid committed by the Government can reach the most vulnerable Afghans, as well as to pursue our other priorities, including human rights, inclusive governance, and counter- terrorism. The FCDO continues its strong engagement with UNAMA, including when FCDO officials met Deborah Lyons’ during her visit to London on 23 November. Lord Ahmad has also retained a close working relationship with SRSG Lyons, in particular to discuss the humanitarian situation and their engagement with the Taliban. They met in London on 23 November 2021 and again in Doha on 17 January. Nick Dyer, the UK’s Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, visited Kabul on 10 February with Hugo Shorter and Hester Waddams (Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission respectively at the UK Mission to Afghanistan).