Germany's Merkel discusses Afghanistan with French, British, Italian leaders

By Erbil Basay

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a telephone call with leaders of France, UK, Italy and the head of the UN Refugee Agency on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

In the calls with Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson, Mario Draghi, and Filippo Grandi; Merkel exchanged views on ongoing efforts to evacuate citizens of the related countries and local Afghan personnel, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

The leaders also agreed to closely cooperate and provide mutual support, he added.

Merkel is expected to talk with other heads of state and government, including neighboring countries with Afghanistan, the statement added.

The Taliban made rapid military advances in recent weeks and took control of the capital on Sunday as Afghan government forces fled or surrendered. Former President Ashraf Ghani also left the country.