The discussion, which took place after the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich) and the meeting of directors-general for development cooperation last week, focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the need for solidarity with the Afghan people, including the provision of humanitarian access. Enhanced humanitarian aid should be flexible and directed at addressing the basic living needs of the affected population, taking into consideration the difficult situation on the ground and the humanitarian response plan.

Acting Director-General Jukič stressed that Afghanistan was on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, which requires the respect of fundamental humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. As a responsible member of the international community, Slovenia has been providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people since 2005. As the situation deteriorates, the EU will make an additional humanitarian contribution, which will be announced by Foreign Minister Anže Logar at the high-level ministerial meeting on Monday.