EU Afghanistan Representative Meets Pakistani Official to Discuss Terrorism and Regional Security

Gilles Bertrand, the European Union representative for Afghanistan affairs, met with Sadiq Khan, Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, in Islamabad.

The two sides discussed terrorism threats and their consequences for the region, along with regional security, trade, regional connectivity, and the need for greater interaction and coordination on common challenges. Sadiq Khan shared details of the meeting in a post on X on Thursday.

The talks took place amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of supporting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which it says uses Afghan soil to stage attacks inside Pakistan. This has led to border clashes, drone attacks and bombings since February of last year.

China-mediated talks held in Urumqi have produced an apparent ceasefire, though without a formal agreement. Pakistan has indicated it will continue military pressure until the Taliban formally commit not to support the group.

The Taliban have denied supporting terrorist groups and described Pakistan's insecurity as an internal matter. Border closures stemming from the tensions have caused millions of dollars in losses to bilateral trade.