France, Europeans working to open joint mission in Afghanistan - Macron

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron wears a face mask as he arrives to deliver a statement with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, December 1, 2021. Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool via REUTERS

DOHA (Reuters) - Several European countries are working on opening up a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan that would enable their ambassadors to return to the country, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday.

Western countries have been grappling with how to engage with the Taliban after they took over Afghanistan in a lightning advance in August as U.S.-led forces were completing their pullout.