Japan, Egypt agree to cooperate on maintaining stability in Afghanistan

Japan and Egypt have agreed to cooperate on maintaining stability in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of British and NATO forces from the country, the Japan Times reported.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi met in Cairo and called on all parties concerned to restore peace and order in the country and protect lives and property.

“We shared concerns about the current situation in Afghanistan and agreed to cooperate so that it will not become a further destabilising factor,” said Motegi.

In February Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Noke Masaki said that the future of bilateral relations between Egypt and Japan is full of possibilities.

Yesterday the UK’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told Reuters that he acknowledged that the Taliban are in control of the country and that going back in “wasn’t on the cards” after the Taliban’s forces surrounded the capital over the weekend.

READ: UN chief urges global community to ensure Afghanistan does not become terror safe haven

On Sunday the Taliban announced it had taken control of 31 provinces including Laghman, Bamyan, and Nangarhar.

On Sunday Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled abroad marking the end of two decades of a US-led coalition in the country.

Videos showed people clinging to the wheels of a plane as it took off, whilst another showed a man being pulled up into the window of the plane.

Countries across the world have taken different positions with Oman’s Grand Mufti, Ahmed Bin Hamad Al-Khalilli yesterday congratulating the Afghan people for a “clear victory and the grand conquering of the aggressor invaders.”

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said the withdrawal of US troops will offer a chance for lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Russia has said its embassy will remain in the country as the Taliban has given them security assurances, whilst China has said it will maintain “friendly relations” with the Taliban.

Joe Biden himself has said he “stands squarely” behind the decision to withdraw American forces. “How many more lives are worth it?” he asked.