On the 4^th of May, the EU met with implementing partners KFW and Aga Khan Development Network and government representatives from Afghanistan, including Minister of Economy H.E Dr Karima Hamed Faryabi, and Tajikistan, including Minister of Transport H.E Azim Ibrohim, to take stock of progress made so far and assess remaining challenges.

“The EU connects people, this time through the construction of a cross-border bridge between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The EU strongly supports regional integration of Afghanistan, a crucial aspect in furthering peace and prosperity. This bridge is much more than a piece of concrete. In these difficult times, it is a symbol of hope that brings people together – to trade and exchange across borders. It shows that Afghanistan is not alone.” 

-Andreas Von Brandt, EU Ambassador to Afghanistan

Improving infrastructure and providing an enabling environment for local businesses in the region is part of a wider package in the EU’s cooperation portfolio with Afghanistan in support of regional integration. Recently the EU and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan signed an agreement with the objective to provide reliable and affordable access to clean energy for households and enterprises in the Badakhshan province.