US Special Representative Initiates Diplomatic Tour to Key Partners Discussing Afghan Needs

Wed Dec 06 2023
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WASHINGTON: In a bid to address the pressing political, economic, and humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, Thomas West, the US special representative for Afghanistan, commenced a 10-day diplomatic tour covering Pakistan, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

The primary focus of West’s trip is to engage with key partners and authorities, discussing shared security interests, refugee protection and resettlement, humanitarian needs, human rights, and economic issues.

West announced his travel plans on Tuesday, expressing anticipation for meaningful discussions with relevant authorities regarding the settlement and protection of immigrants. His itinerary spans from December 5 to December 15, reflecting the importance of collaborative efforts in the region.

Simultaneously, an American delegation, led by Julieta Valls Noyes, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, visited Pakistan. During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions concerning the deportation of Afghan immigrants.

Noyes, in a meeting with Pakistan’s special representative, urged against the deportation of approximately 25,000 Afghan immigrants awaiting resettlement in the United States. The concern also extends to the potential challenges posed by the deportation of Afghan immigrants during the winter season.

In tandem with diplomatic efforts, the World Bank released a new report on Tuesday, shedding light on the adverse consequences of the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants. The report emphasizes that the mass deportation has created significant challenges for Afghanistan, warranting attention to find comprehensive solutions.

As Thomas West engages with regional partners, the discussions and outcomes of this diplomatic tour are poised to play a crucial role in shaping collaborative strategies to address the multifaceted needs of Afghanistan. The focus on refugee protection, resettlement, and humanitarian concerns underscores the commitment to finding sustainable solutions in a region grappling with complex geopolitical dynamics.

 

 

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