Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) regional and (b) global implications for tackling terrorism of a return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan.  [162501]

[Due for Answer on 8 March. Accidentally delayed.]

ANSWER

The Minister for Asia (Nigel Adams): The US-Taliban agreement includes conditions about preventing international terrorists operating from Afghan soil. The UK will remain committed to tackling the threat from terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including from Daesh/ISKP (Islamic State in Khorasan Province), Al Qaeda and their affiliates. We continue to work closely with the US and NATO Allies to protect our shared interests. Regional stability and human and economic development are interconnected with reducing the threat from terrorism.