The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, met this morning with the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Mr. Carl Skau, and the Head of the organization in Afghanistan, Mr. John Aylieff.
During the meeting, discussions were held concerning the strengthening of the regional economy, support for vulnerable populations, and the creation of employment opportunities.
At the outset, Mr. Carl Skau expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the Islamic Emirate and stated that the World Food Programme would continue its support for families affected by war, as well as for disaster-affected individuals and children suffering from malnutrition.
He further stated that supporting domestic production, utilizing the existing capacities of Afghanistan, and promoting the self-reliance of the Afghan people are among the organization’s principal priorities, and that the WFP is making efforts to expand its cooperation with Afghans through the creation of employment opportunities.
The Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme also stated that, despite certain challenges, the organization would spare no effort in mobilizing additional assistance for the people of Afghanistan.
Subsequently, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, while welcoming the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme and the accompanying delegation, commended the role of the organization in supporting the Afghan people.
He stated that the Afghan people have endured significant hardship as a result of the imposed war, floods, and earthquakes, and that it is necessary for the relevant institutions and organizations to give serious attention to their challenges.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs also referred to the large-scale return of returnees to the country and stated that, over the past five years, more than five million returnees have returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries, whose challenges have fortunately been addressed by the Islamic Emirate.
He emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for returnees and stated that utilizing domestic capacities and making effective use of the country’s human resources in the recruitment process can contribute positively to the improvement of the economic situation.
During the meeting, the Head of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan, Mr. John Aylieff, provided information regarding the organization’s activities and programmes and welcomed the national development strategy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
He added that all returned Afghans are currently benefiting from the assistance of the World Food Programme and that extensive programmes aimed at generating employment opportunities are also underway.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi expressed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided by the World Food Programme in Afghanistan and assured the continued cooperation of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
