Last plane landed from Afghanistan: soldiers and embassy personnel on board | Abroad

The Netherlands no longer has military or diplomatic representation in Kabul. A small group of military personnel with an aircraft will still remain in the region, as will a small embassy team.

For the time being, it is the last flight from Afghanistan to the Netherlands. Evacuations will be practically impossible in the near future, because the airport in the Afghan capital Kabul is no longer safe. The Americans, who are still in charge at the airport, must have left the Taliban by August 31. It is not yet clear what will be possible after that.

Welcome

On arrival, outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ministers Ank Bijleveld (Defence) and Sigrid Kaag (Foreign Affairs) were also present. They welcomed the Dutch team together with Commander of the Armed Forces Onno Eichelsheim.

Bijleveld has “huge appreciation” for the soldiers who assisted in the evacuation from Kabul. “At the same time, the images from Kabul are still on our minds,” she said in a statement. “With attacks and people who are left behind. That’s horrible. We remain committed to bringing everyone to safety.”

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