The European Union aims to kick-start a partnership pact with Afghanistan next week ranging from economic affairs to human rights and counter-terrorism, ahead of the 2014 transition. EU foreign ministers holding talks in Brussels on Monday are expected to agree "a negotiation mandate for a co-operation agreement for partnership and development" with Afghanistan, diplomatic sources said Friday.
"It is key that the EU remains committed to Afghanistan beyond 2014", when civil aspects of transition shift to the Afghan government as tens of thousands of foreign combat troops leave the nation, an EU diplomat said. The deal would cover institution-building, administration of public finances, respect for human rights, development, economic issues, counter-terrorism and couter-narcotics. The EU, which along with its member states provides around one billion euros a year in assistance, is also expected to approve a three-year extension of the EU police mission in Afghanistan.
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