Foreign Secretary meets NATO Allies to discuss Afghanistan

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met NATO Allies virtually today (Friday 20 August), to call for a unified approach to counter the threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid access, following the takeover of the Taliban.

NATO Allies also emphasised the need for an inclusive and representative government in Afghanistan, and for the international community to remain united in ensuring the Taliban uphold human rights for citizens across the country.

In order to safeguard regional stability, Allies pledged to continue working closely with regional partners.

NATO Allies are already coordinating operations to evacuate citizens, nationals from partner countries, and the most vulnerable Afghans, particularly those who have assisted NATO efforts.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

The UK’s immediate priorities are working alongside our NATO Allies to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe-haven for terrorists, ensuring that life-saving humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most, and working with international partners to safeguard stability in the region.

This week, the UK pledged to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees over the next five years. This is in addition to the UK’s ARAP scheme, which offers any current or former locally employed staff – who are assessed to be under serious threat to life – priority relocation to the UK. The UK also doubled its humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan, to provide urgent assistance to those suffering from the conflict, drought and COVID-19. This brings the total UK aid to Afghanistan for this year to £286 million.

On Thursday (19 August), the Foreign Secretary also met G7 counterparts where they agreed to engage with partners to pursue an inclusive political settlement, ensure the delivery of crucial humanitarian support to Afghanistan and the region, and prevent any further loss of life due to terrorism.