UK pledges £3.5 million in aid for quake victims

KABUL (Pajhwok): British Embassy Chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan Hugo Shorter has held a meeting with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and offered sympathy and condolences over casualties inflicted by the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, an official said on Friday.

“British Embassy Chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan @HugoShorter & accompanying delegation called on IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Doha,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi wrote on his Twitter handle.

The British delegation expressed sympathy & condolences over the casualties of the recent earthquake, announcing £3.5 million in emergency aid & that further humanitarian aid would be announced soon, he added.

Balkhi said the meeting also focused on the overall situation of Afghanistan, economic assistance, education & other political issues.

Hinting at recent statement, the British chargé d'affaires said UK does not support political objectives through violence, adding that they would take pragmatic approach towards bilateral relations step-by-step.

FM Muttaqi thanked Britain for its humanitarian aid, stressing the need to focus on infrastructural projects for the well-being & development of the Afghan people.

He also welcomed Britain's recent position on not supporting any armed opposition in Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized broadening bilateral relations & positive interaction.