Despite the Taliban: European states are apparently planning diplomatic representation in Afghanistan

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Emmanuel Macron with Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in Doha

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QATAR NEWS AGENCY HANDOUT / EPA

According to President Emmanuel Macron, France is working with other European countries to open a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan.

This should enable the countries to return their ambassadors soon, said Macron on Saturday during a visit to Qatar's capital Doha.

The diplomats were withdrawn from the country when the radical Islamic Taliban came to power in August.

Before Macron's declaration, France had used Qatar to re-evacuate more than 300 people from Afghanistan.

These include 258 Afghans who have worked as journalists or civilian helpers for the French armed forces, as well as eleven French and around 60 Dutch with relatives, as the Foreign Ministry announced in Paris on Friday evening.

The opening of the representation is planned as soon as possible, but has nothing to do with political recognition of the Taliban government, stressed Macron.

Security issues also still need to be clarified.

Which other countries are involved in the plans initially remained unclear.

The EU and Germany are planning representations

The European Union (EU) also recently announced that it might soon open a diplomatic mission in the Afghan capital Kabul without recognizing the Taliban government.

Germany had already announced similar plans at the beginning of September.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) declared at the time that, under certain conditions, he wanted to set up a diplomatic representation in the capital Kabul.

He also pointed out that he was in close coordination with European partners on the subject and emphasized that diplomatic representation would not mean recognition of a Taliban government.

"If it were politically possible and if the security situation allows, then Germany should again have its own embassy in Kabul," said Maas.

The German government closed the embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came to power.

All diplomats have left the country.

jme / Reuters / dpa