Afghanistan a priority despite Ukraine crisis: UNHCR chief

KABUL (Pajhwok): UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi, who arrived in Kabul on Monday, met some officials of the Islamic Emirate, and said that despite critical situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan was a priority for the organization.

FilippoGrandi arrived in Kabul today and was welcomed by deputy minister of refugees and repatriation, MohammadArsalaKhoroti in Kabul Airport.

Talking to reporters at Kabul Airport, Grandi said the aim of his visit was to provide humanitarian aid to Afghans and meet with some high-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate.

"It was very important for me to come back to Afghanistan, to talk to Afghan officials about the humanitarian situation and crises, and to decide together and consult on a solution to the refugee problem," he said.

He added, "UNHCR has been assisting Afghanistan for more than 40 years, and we are working to continue that assistance.”

"I will share the results of my meetings with you after talks with officials of the Islamic Emirate," Grandi said, adding that he came to Afghanistan to reassure the Afghan people that they were fulfilling their responsibilities towards them.

"I came here for the support of humanitarian organizations, and International Organization of Migration, I assure you that we are with you," he said. He praised humanitarian organizations for their efforts in Afghanistan.

"You all know the current situation in Ukraine, where there is a crisis, especially the immigration crisis, I came to Afghanistan to say that one crisis does not end at the cost of another, the crisis in Afghanistan is significant to us and the country is a priority to us,” he said.

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