The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has called on countries that retained Afghanistan’s helicopters following the fall of the previous government to return these assets to the country.
In a meeting held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with diplomats and international organizations, emphasis was also placed on lifting banking sanctions and providing support to the earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, stated: “We ask those countries that, four years ago following political developments, took part of our helicopters and transferred them to neighboring countries, to return these helicopters to the Afghan people so they can be used in humanitarian operations.”
In another part of his remarks, Muttaqi addressed the sanctions imposed on Afghanistan.
He added that banking restrictions resulting from these sanctions have made it difficult for some Afghans abroad to send monetary assistance to Afghanistan.
Mr. Muttaqi once again urged the international community to lift the sanctions imposed on the country.
He said: “Unfortunately, due to the unjust and unlawful restrictions imposed on Afghanistan, our compatriots have been unable to send aid to those affected by the earthquake.”
Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, who was also among the speakers at the meeting, expressed concern over the shortage of healthcare staff during recent earthquake rescue operations in eastern Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate further noted that providing long-term aid to those affected remains a top priority for the government.
