A spokesperson for Germany’s Interior Ministry said on Monday that while the Taliban had agreed in principle to accept deported Afghans, Berlin had offered “no concessions and no political recognition” in return.
A German delegation travelled to Kabul last week and met with officials from the Taliban’s Interior and Foreign Ministries, as well as airport authorities, to discuss the technical and administrative aspects of deportation procedures.
The Taliban reportedly agreed to accept Afghan citizens verified through charter flights. Germany’s interior minister had earlier suggested the use of commercial flights, but Taliban officials did not approve that option.
Amid criticism over direct engagement with the Taliban, the spokesperson defended the meeting, saying an in-person discussion in Kabul was “absolutely necessary” to resolve operational issues.
The spokesperson also dismissed reports that the talks covered broader cooperation, including counter-narcotics initiatives. “These discussions were strictly about the return of individuals,” they said.
Some Taliban representatives had earlier claimed that the meetings involved wider collaboration, including on drug control.
Germany has not recognised the Taliban administration and continues to criticise its human rights record, particularly its restrictions on women and girls. However, Berlin has decided to proceed with deportations of Afghan nationals who committed serious crimes or pose security risks.
Germany has previously carried out two deportation flights to Kabul with logistical support from Qatar. The latest trip marks the first visit by German officials to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The decision to engage directly with the Taliban has sparked controversy in Germany, with critics arguing that such contact risks legitimising a regime accused of systematic human rights abuses.