jpnn.com, AFGHANISTAN - Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Per Olsson Fridh has commented on the current state of Afghanistan, assessing the country is heading for economic collapse after being taken over by the Taliban.
Afghanistan has plunged into crisis following the fall of the western-backed government and the Taliban taking power in August.
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The incident triggered a halt in the flow of billions of dollars to the country's economy that relies on international aid.
"My concern is that the country is on the brink of collapse, and that collapse is coming faster than we thought," Fridh told Reuters in Dubai on Saturday (23/10).
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He warned that Afghanistan's free-falling economy could provide an environment for terror groups to thrive.
A total of 27 European Union countries, including Sweden, have stepped up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power.
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However, the World Bank and many countries have stopped development assistance to Afghanistan.
According to Fridh, Sweden is considering increasing efforts through Afghan civil society groups to secure basic services.
However, other countries need to be convinced that such a move is possible without legitimizing the new Taliban rulers.
Fridh insisted that Sweden would not funnel development money through the Taliban.
The movement has faced international criticism for its failure to uphold Afghan rights since returning to power, including allowing girls to access education.
Most countries have closed their embassies in Kabul and moved them to Qatar, a Gulf state that is the main interlocutor between the West and the Taliban.
Fridh also said European countries were not ready to reopen their embassies in Kabul.
According to him, more diplomatic missions will be opened in Qatar before returning to Afghanistan. (Antara/Reuters/mcr20/jpnn)