KABUL – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar held a video conference with Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari to discuss the Afghan peace process and bilateral cooperation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs commended the effective support of the Republic of Finland for Afghanistan over the past two decades, particularly the outstanding role of Mr. Ville Skinnari in the successful convening of the 2020 Conference in Geneva.
Referring to the latest developments in the peace process and calling the high level of violence and civilian casualties in the country unacceptable, Minister Atmar said that “The Taliban aim to seize power by force and do not seem to believe in peace.”
Expressing his condolences to the Government of Afghanistan and the families of the victims of the terrorist attack on Sayed al-Shuhada High School, Mr. Skinnari condemned perpetrators of the barbaric attack and termed Taliban violence unacceptable. He called on the Taliban to accept a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and pave the way for a political solution and lasting peace.
The Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade assured Mr. Atmar of his country’s continued assistance in development, governance, human rights, and economy, especially in the field of energy after the withdrawal of the Resolute Support Forces from Afghanistan.
