Special G20 summit on Afghanistan kicks off

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi hosted a special summit of the Group of 20 major economies on October 12 to discuss Afghanistan, as worries grow about a looming humanitarian disaster following the Taliban’s return to power, Report informs referring to Reuters.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, the country - already struggling with drought and severe poverty after decades of war - has seen its economy all but collapse, raising the specter of an exodus of refugees.

“The summit’s focus points include urgent humanitarian support for the Afghan population, the fight against terrorism, freedom of movement inside the country and open borders,” Draghi’s office said in a brief statement.

The video conference kicked off at 1.00 p.m. (1100 GMT) and was due to last around 2-1/2 hours.