18 October: US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns has arrived in Azerbaijan at the start of a visit during which he will meet senior Azerbaijani officials and representatives of civil society (agencies)

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.