UN Officials Meet Herat Governor to Discuss Support for Returnees, Local Production

DID Press: Senior officials from the United Nations and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) met with the governor of Herat to discuss assistance for returning migrants and support for Afghanistan’s domestic production.

During a visit to the western Afghan province, Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, and Arafat Jamal, head of UNHCR’s office in Afghanistan, held talks with Maulana Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban-appointed governor of Herat.

The meeting focused on UN programs and projects in the province and the services provided to migrants recently returning from Iran and Pakistan.

Islamjar expressed appreciation for the cooperation of UN agencies and said the local administration is prepared to address potential new waves of migrants. He also emphasized the importance of supporting Afghanistan’s domestic production, creating employment opportunities through industrial programs, and facilitating exports of agricultural and industrial products.

Ratwatte welcomed the governor’s proposals and assured that UN agencies would increase procurement of necessary goods from Afghan domestic producers while continuing cooperation with the local administration.