Germany says G7 summit to dwell on common strategy towards Taliban

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

Berlin (AA) - In an upcoming special summit, the leaders of G7 countries will focus on formulating a common strategy towards the Taliban, a German official said on Monday.

"There will be tomorrow a video conference of the heads of state and government on the subject of Afghanistan... which we expressly welcome," government spokesman Steffen Seibert told media representatives in Berlin, adding that the summit had been called upon the initiative by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Noting that the summit would offer the opportunity to "coordinate and agree within the G7 framework," Seibert said its agenda would include evacuation measures and humanitarian and refugee issues, along with "coordination and perhaps a common line on the approach that will be taken towards the Taliban or the future Afghan government."

Britain holds the rotating leadership of the G7, which also includes the US, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, and Canada.

Johnson called a virtual G7 leaders' meeting for Tuesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan after a recent Taliban blitz seized control of most of the country, including the capital Kabul on Aug. 15.

The sudden takeover set off a rush to leave Afghanistan, including by locals who aided foreign soldiers or groups and now fear Taliban retribution.