Afghanistan – EU signing
(MUNICH) – The European Union vowed support for the Afghan people Saturday as it signed a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The agreement, signed in the presence of the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani, is the first contractual relationship between the EU and Afghanistan and establishes the legal framework for EU-Afghanistan cooperation.
The deal confirms EU commitment to Afghanistan’s future development during what is termed the “Decade of Transformation” (2015-2024). It is set to provide a basis for the EU’s ongoing support to Afghanistan in the implementation of a comprehensive and detailed reform programme.
“The European Union has always stood by the Afghan people and will continue to do so”, said the EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini: “The Cooperation Agreement we have signed today will allow us to build on the areas that we already engage with the Afghan authorities on, such as human development, anti-corruption, state building, and the rule of law, as well as cooperation on migration.
The agreement reflects the principles and conditions for the EU-Afghanistan partnership, with an emphasis on holding regular dialogue on political issues, including human rights, in particular the rights of women and children, which are essential elements of this agreement.
It will provide a basis for developing “a mutually beneficial relationship” in an increasing range of areas such as the rule of law, health, rural development, education, science and technology, as well as actions to combat corruption, money laundering, the financing of terrorism, organised crime and narcotics. It also foresees cooperation on migration.
The Cooperation Agreement will also enable the EU and Afghanistan to jointly address global challenges, such as nuclear security, non-proliferation and climate change.
