Who did Rahmon meet in Brussels?

On October 11, Rahmon met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The meeting discussed issues related to the development of cooperation in the fields of economy and industry, mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Photo: Internet

It is reported that one of the issues discussed during Rahmon’s meeting with Charles Michel was the problems in the region, particularly the situation in Afghanistan.

Also on October 11, Rahmon met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

During this meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the economy, trade, energy, culture, and education. It is reported that they also touched upon the situation in Afghanistan.

After the meeting with Rahmon, Borrell tweeted: “Met with Rahmon regarding the exchange of bilateral relations, including the launch of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation and an in-depth discussion on the situation in Afghanistan. Tajikistan plays a special role in ensuring security in Afghanistan, and we support your efforts to find regional solutions that benefit the Afghan people.”

Rahmon met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Belgium, Eliane Tillieux. The meeting discussed issues of cooperation in the areas of politics, legislation, economy, trade, investment, culture, and tourism opportunities between the two countries.

Experts believe that Rahmon was invited to the European Union to discuss security issues in Afghanistan. Emomali Rahmon has supported the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, since the Taliban came to power.

However, some prominent figures from Afghanistan seeking refuge in Tajikistan have complained that the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not extending their visas upon expiration.

They say that if Emomali Rahmon has declared himself a protector of the Afghan people, he should at least grant permission for the extension of their visas or allow entry into the country for refugees stuck at the border.

Tajik journalist Shahnaz Komilzoda wrote on her Facebook page: “One of my Afghan colleagues has had his visa expire, but unfortunately, it was not extended. We have contacted all relevant authorities, pleaded and requested, submitted a million documents, to no avail. Now he is forced to return to Afghanistan by land. Which customs point in the direction of Afghanistan is functioning? How is he supposed to return?

Poor man, he is going on his own two feet to the nest of death. We both know that he will be detained right at the border and killed, but we pray to God that he is not killed in front of his wife and children.”

Users criticized the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs for refusing to issue visas and ignoring their situation. The Tajik embassy in Afghanistan and the country’s consulates in major Afghan cities are also closed to refugees and Afghans in general. However, it is reported that the Tajik visa, which previously cost $60, is now being sold on the black markets of Afghanistan for over $400.