KABUL (Pajhwok): The Minister of Information and Culture (MoIC) says the ministry is committed to strengthening the media sector and addressing its existing challenges.

In a statement, the MoIC said Minister Sheikh Sher Ahmad Haqqani met with the European Union (EU) Special Envoy Gilles Bertrand and his accompanying delegation in Kabul on Wednesday.

Bertrand, on his first visit to Afghanistan as the EU's Special Envoy, expressed hope that he would be able to contribute effectively in his role.

According to the statement, Bertrand discussed the situation of media and journalists in Afghanistan, as well as their progress and empowerment.

The envoy also highlighted various EU-supported projects in Afghanistan in the fields of historical heritage preservation, education, and health, assuring that the EU would continue its cooperation in protecting historical monuments.

Haqqani reiterated that the ministry is committed to enhancing the media sector and resolving the challenges it faces, describing this as one of its core responsibilities.

He said journalists' rights are being upheld in line with Islamic values and policies, adding that since the return of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to power, around 180 new media outlets have received operating licenses.

According to Haqqani, the safety and security of journalists have been ensured, and so far, there have been no reports of any journalist's death.

“Historical monuments are the shared heritage of nations,” Haqqani said.“Significant work has been done to protect and restore them, and further constructive steps will be taken in the future. The ministry is working to strengthen coordination with relevant institutions for the preservation and restoration of historical sites.”

He added that the EU and other relevant organizations should continue their cooperation with the MoIC in preserving and restoring Afghanistan's historical monuments.

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