KABUL: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Taliban-led government has stated that the European Union (EU) has opened an embassy in Kabul for a "permanent presence" and has "practically began operations."

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a tweet on Friday that the decision to open the Embassy came after "repeated talks and achieving an understanding with EU authorities." "In addition to the 220 million euros in humanitarian relief, the EU promised 268 million euros in additional aid, with a portion set aside for teacher pay, which we welcome," he continued.

The EU also acknowledged that a "limited presence" has been re-established in Kabul.

"The EU has begun to re-establish a modest presence of international EU Delegation workers to ease the delivery of humanitarian supplies and monitor the humanitarian situation," Peter Stano, a spokesman for the European Commission's foreign affairs . "In no way could our presence in Kabul be construed as recognition. This has also been communicated to the de facto authorities in a clear and concise manner "he said.

This move comes after the EU said earlier this week that, in the midst of Afghanistan's poor economic condition, it has initiated several programmes in the country to prevent further deterioration and to assist Afghans in coping with present challenges.

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