29 May: An-EU-Russia Summit will take place in St Petersburg on 3-4 June. President Putin will lead the Russian Delegation and the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy will lead the EU delegation. (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.