The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Anadolu Agency reported that Belgium’s foreign minister has said the country cannot prevent planned European Union-hosted talks with Taliban envoys in Brussels, despite his personal opposition.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said he disagrees with
hosting representatives of the Taliban but emphasized that Belgium is obligated
to allow such meetings as the host nation for EU institutions.
According to reports, Prevot made the remarks on Wednesday
during a session of parliament’s foreign relations committee, where he was
questioned about visa arrangements for the Afghan delegation.
He told lawmakers that he does not support inviting Taliban
representatives and reiterated that formally recognizing the Taliban remains
out of the question. However, he added that Belgium has limited authority over
which foreign delegations are invited by European bodies operating in Brussels.
Prevot confirmed that visa applications from the Afghan
delegation had been received and processed, with security checks completed by
relevant authorities.
The delegation is expected to travel to Brussels for talks
requested by the European Commission, focusing on the return of Afghan refugees
to Afghanistan.
