On the eve of a possible agreement to end the war in Afghanistan, more than 60 people lost their lives and more than 150 were wounded in an attack targeting a wedding ceremony in Kabul. What should have been a joyous and festive occasion has been tragically taken away by this act of terror, which again targets the ethnic and religious communities of the Hazara and Shia.

The European Union will continue to stand by Afghanistan in its fight against international terrorism. It is crucial that the current efforts to achieve a durable peace are not undermined by such indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

The European Union conveys its most sincere condolences to all those affected and shares the overwhelming grief of the families who lost so many loved ones. We share with the Afghan people their desire for a full and lasting peace and will continue to work with them to this aim.