In this capacity, the country is hosting the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on September 3, sources said…reports Asian Lite News.
The European Union has invited External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to participate in an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on September 3, sources said on Tuesday.
The focus of discussions is likely to be on developments in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. The EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is expected in September, sources said.
Slovenia holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the period July to December 2021.
In this capacity, the country is hosting the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on September 3, sources said.
Last week, chief spokesman for the European Commission Eric Mamer said that EU member states should come up with safe legal pathways for people who are particularly at risk, such as female judges and human rights activists, to travel from militant-controlled Afghanistan to Europe.
“We have a duty to help those who are particularly at risk in Afghanistan, be it before or after the deadline. These are … for example, human rights activists, female judges and lawyers, journalists, educated women and their children. For these groups, the message is quite clear that the EU is asking member states to offer safe pathways to Europe for them to be able to come,” Mamer said at a press briefing.
Modi speaks with Charles Michel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke on the telephone with President of the European Council Charles Michel about the evolving situation in Afghanistan and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthening India-EU relations.
“Spoke with @eucopresident Charles Michel, President of the European Council, about the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Also reiterated our commitment to further strengthening India-EU relations,” Modi wrote on Twitter.
“The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and the implications for the region and the world. They unequivocally condemned the horrific terror attack at the Kabul International Airport that resulted in many casualties. They emphasized the importance of a stable and secure Afghanistan and discussed the potential role India and the EU could play in this context,” an official statement read.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan, it said.
PM Modi has established a high-level group comprising of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, which is updating him on the Afghan situation and are taking required steps to focus on immediate priorities including evacuation of stranded Indians.
As the United States completes its military mission in Afghanistan and the Taliban takes over complete control, India said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation. (ANI)
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