On 09 October 2019, the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies (CAPS) hosted the newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden in Afghanistan Caroline Vicini and her colleague Karolina Linden for a luncheon. CAPS’ Chairman Hekmat K. Karzai welcomed the guests on their first visit to CAPS. The current security situation, recent presidential elections in Afghanistan, peace talks with the Taliban and the role of European countries in peace efforts in Afghanistan were discussed in details.

Mr Karzai and Amb Vicini agreed that peace talks must resume so the violence in Afghanistan end the soonest possible. Mr Karzai noted that CAPS believes that negotiations should be inclusive and encourages the Taliban to start negotiations with the Afghan government. During the meeting, Mr Karzai and Amb Vicini emphasized on the role of women post-peace agreement as well as preserving gender equality specially in education sector.