To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions the Government has had with the US Administration on its decision to withdraw its armed forces from Afghanistan.
Answered on
26 May 2021
The US and Taliban agreement of 29 February 2020 set out a timetable for all international troops to leave Afghanistan. This was expected to be 1 May 2021. The UK has been in regular contact with the US on many issues, including Afghanistan. The Foreign Secretary discussed Afghanistan with US Secretary Blinken ahead of the US and NATO announcement on 14 April. We remain in close contact, including on our future approach. Most recently, Afghanistan was discussed by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary with Secretary of State Blinken on 4 May and 3 May respectively.