Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Holds Joint Meeting with Officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme
2026-07-07
Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Holds Joint Meeting with Officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme
The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, held a joint meeting this morning with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Alexander De Croo, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Barham Salih, and the accompanying delegation.
At the outset, while welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs described the meeting as necessary for further strengthening coordination and cooperation.
Subsequently, Mr. Alexander De Croo highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in ensuring peace, maintaining security, and implementing development projects in Afghanistan, stating that the prevention of narcotics, the fight against administrative corruption, the collection and treatment of drug addicts, economic development, and the creation of favorable conditions for investment are commendable.
He stated that UNDP and other partner organizations are prepared to provide the necessary cooperation with the Islamic Emirate in the areas of strengthening the economic system and regional trade, infrastructure development, agricultural advancement, and the expansion of irrigation.
Following this, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Barham Salih, emphasized the importance of joint cooperation between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and humanitarian organizations, stating that UNHCR’s humanitarian assistance to Afghans will continue.
Referring to the need for humanitarian assistance for Afghans, particularly returning refugees, he stated that the United Nations will spare no effort in providing support to refugees and assisting in their reintegration.
Later, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, highlighted the achievements of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan and stated that nearly half a century of imposed wars have inflicted significant financial and human losses on Afghans, necessitating support and cooperation across various sectors.
He added that refugees were forcibly expelled in violation of all international laws and principles of good neighborliness. However, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, through its continuous efforts and with the cooperation of responsible institutions, was able to effectively address the challenges facing refugees and provide them with the necessary facilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs stated that since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate’s administration, more than eight million refugees have returned to the country, demonstrating the scale of the returns.
His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi emphasized that attention should be given to the construction of housing for refugees and the creation of additional employment opportunities through the implementation of infrastructure and development projects, so that they are not compelled to migrate abroad again.
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, referring to the United Nations’ recent report on the elimination of narcotics, stated that narcotics have now been completely eradicated in Afghanistan and that this achievement was realized as a result of the Islamic Emirate’s decisive efforts. He expressed hope that relevant institutions would cooperate with farmers in providing alternative livelihood opportunities.
