Foreign Secretary Holds Talks With Afghan Government Officials

(Picture: Afghanistan Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).

The UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson MP has flown to Kabul, Afghanistan, for talks with senior Government officials. 

Mr Johnson said he believes "there is still a lot" the UK could contribute to the NATO operation in the country.

His arrival is in support of recent positive developments from Afghanistan after ceasefires over the religious festival of Eid between Government and Taliban forces.

Mr Johnson has held talks in the capital with the Afghanistan President, Chief Executive and Deputy Foreign Minister.

The Foreign Secretary underlined Britain was committed to help build a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. He welcomed the Government's determination to achieve a peaceful political settlement to the conflict with Taliban, whilst holding credible Parliamentary and Presidential elections. 

He also met girls who are getting access to sports education thanks to UK funding, as well as General Nicholson, the Commander of Resolute Support, NATO’s training and assistance mission in Afghanistan.

Mr Johnson also rode in an armoured vehicle with soldiers from the Welsh Guards who are helping to mentor the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces.

The Foreign Secretary said:

"At this important moment when Afghan-led efforts towards peace and a political settlement have gained considerable impetus, I was proud and inspired to be in Kabul to see how the UK is working in support of the Afghan Government to achieve this goal.

"In my meetings with President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah, I welcomed their historic offer of unconditional talks earlier this year, and their determined recent efforts towards a political process with the Taliban.

"I urge all countries with influence in Afghanistan, especially in the neighbourhood, to use it constructively at this crucial moment.

"My visit comes just as the UK is considering the request from the US and NATO to give additional assistance to Resolute Support. I was hugely impressed by the work done by British troops as a part of this NATO mission and I believe there is still a lot the UK could contribute to this vital operation. The Government will be taking a decision very soon.

"I was also delighted to meet a talented group of Afghan girls to see how excited they were about their prospects, thanks to British funding and the Afghan Government’s determination to do more in this area.

"A good education for them will help Afghanistan’s development and is a big part of the UK’s commitment towards a brighter future for Afghanistan. I am proud that UK Aid has helped 300,000 marginalised Afghan girls into education and trained over 10,000 teachers over the last six years."

This is the Foreign Secretary’s second visit to Afghanistan, where the UK is currently investing more than £750m in development assistance to support the Afghan people.