Trying to strengthen Afghan banking system: Lyons

KABUL (Pajhwok): The top UN diplomat in the country has pledged support for strengthening Afghanistan’s banking system and provision of funds for half-complete development schemes.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons held out the assurance at a meeting with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi wrote on his Twitter handle on Thursday the diplomats discussed the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the banking sector, development projects, and the creation of job opportunities.

Muttaqi said Afghanistan’s economy relied on imports and the sanctions slapped on the country had led to a hike in prices of essential items. He called for the immediate lifting of the curbs.

Lyons said: “We have urged the international community to generate $8 billion for humanitarian and development purposes in Afghanistan.”

She added: We are in talks with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to support the banking sector in Afghanistan and allow funds for contractors to complete half-done projects.”

The UN special envoy expressed her satisfaction with she called good coordination with all relevant organs of the incumbent government.

nh/mud