The Afghanistan Office of the World Federation for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) hosted a farewell reception in Kabul on 13 August 2026 to mark the conclusion of the mission of H.E. Ms. Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, Chargé d’Affaires and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Afghanistan.
The reception was hosted by Hon. Haji Mohammad Younus Mohmand, Representative of the World Federation for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) in Afghanistan, and provided a valuable opportunity for direct and constructive dialogue among Afghan government officials, members of the diplomatic community, international organizations, and representatives of the private sector.
From the Afghan side, the event was attended by Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mawlawi Noor-ul-Haq Anwar, Director General of the Administrative Office of the Government; Hon. Haji Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy; Mawlawi Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; national business leaders and investors; heads of private banks and telecommunications companies; and representatives of various business organizations.
Members of the diplomatic community in attendance included H.E. Khawaja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan; H.E. Oybek Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan; H.E. Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, Ambassador of Pakistan; H.E. Dmitry Zhirnov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; H.E. Dr. Mirdif Al-Qashouti, Ambassador of Qatar; H.E. Saadi Sharifi, Ambassador of Tajikistan; H.E. Ilham Mammadzov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan; Mr. Daniyar Zholchiev, Representative of Kyrgyzstan; Mr. Sadin Ayyildiz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Türkiye; and senior representatives of other diplomatic missions.
Representatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and other international organizations also attended the event.
Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mawlawi Noor-ul-Haq Anwar, Director General of the Administrative Office of the Government; Hon. Haji Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy; Mawlawi Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; and Khan Jan Alokozai, President of the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, delivered remarks during the event.
From the diplomatic community, H.E. Ms. Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, H.E. Khawaja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, and Mr. Sadin Ayyildiz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Türkiye, also addressed the gathering. Speakers emphasized the importance of constructive engagement, economic cooperation, trade, investment, regional connectivity, and continued dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.
In his address, Hon. Mohammad Younus Mohmand stated:
“Afghanistan should not be viewed solely as a recipient of humanitarian assistance; rather, it should be engaged with as an important economic, commercial, and regional partner.”
Mr. Mohmand highlighted Afghanistan’s significant potential for investment, noting the country’s strategic geographic position, abundant natural resources, young population, improving security environment, and active private sector. He emphasized the wide range of investment opportunities available in agriculture, mining, energy, industry, healthcare, technology, transit, and regional connectivity.
He further stressed that economic engagement, trade, and investment with Afghanistan can serve as effective pathways toward greater economic self-reliance, sustainable stability, and shared prosperity across the region.
Mr. Mohmand called for greater facilitation of business visas, the reduction of banking restrictions, simplification of customs and transit procedures, improved access to international markets for Afghan products, and stronger support for both domestic and foreign investment.
He also stated:
“Everything can change, but neighbors do not change.”
Mr. Mohmand emphasized that Afghanistan, its neighboring countries, Europe, and international partners should further strengthen their economic relations through trade, transit, energy, investment, and regional connectivity.
He also proposed the establishment of an Annual Afghanistan–Europe and Regional Economic and Trade Dialogue to be held in Kabul. He noted that such an annual forum could provide an effective framework for confidence-building, market access, foreign direct investment, banking and transit facilitation, joint economic projects, and sustained coordination among stakeholders.
In her remarks, H.E. Ms. Veronika Boskovic-Pohar expressed her appreciation to the people of Afghanistan, her Afghan colleagues, and particularly Hon. Mohammad Younus Mohmand for their cooperation, friendship, and respect throughout her mission.
Ms. Boskovic-Pohar stated that during her time in Afghanistan, she had learned a great deal from the Afghan people, as well as from the realities, hopes, and challenges facing the country.
She emphasized the importance of diplomacy, mutual understanding, and listening to one another, stating:
“Diplomacy begins where certainty ends and listening begins.”
Ms. Boskovic-Pohar also highlighted the importance of investing in the people of Afghanistan for the country’s future, stating:
“Educate your people, empower them, and trust them; they will build Afghanistan.”
Referring to the capabilities and talents of the Afghan people, she underscored the importance of education, human capacity, trust, and shared responsibility in building a strong and self-reliant Afghanistan.
Following the reception, Ms. Boskovic-Pohar also conveyed a special message expressing her appreciation to Hon. Mohammad Younus Mohmand for successfully organizing the event, facilitating constructive dialogue, and maintaining continued cooperation. She commended his courage, humanitarian commitment, and dedication to Afghanistan, noting that individuals such as Mr. Mohmand can play an important role in contributing to the development of a stronger and more self-reliant Afghanistan.