Afghanistan - Communique issued by Jean-Yves Le Drian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (18 August 2021)

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The evacuation operations launched in Kabul are continuing. Another rotation flight between Kabul and Abu Dhabi was organized during the night of 17-18 August with 216 people on board. It is allowing some 25 of our compatriots to be repatriated, along with 184 Afghans from civil society in need of protection. France has also lent its support to partner States, by taking on board four Dutch, one Irish and two Kenyan nationals.

Among other things, the operation has allowed the evacuation of a large proportion of the people, of both French and Afghan nationality, who had taken refuge in the French Embassy building in Kabul, after the Embassy’s departments were transferred to the airport site.

The success of the operation, which is protecting Afghan men and women whom it was essential to protect, is due to significant collective efforts. Our diplomats, soldiers and police officers, currently in Kabul, are working every moment to serve our country’s values. France is proud to welcome Afghan civil society, which is fighting for freedom; France has already done this by repatriating the Embassy’s local staff and their families over the past few weeks.