THE State of Qatar has been actively involved in the Afghan peace process by hosting and facilitating the years-long talks between the various Afghan factions and the US and others. From day one, Doha has advocated for a peaceful settlement to the two decades-long conflict in Afghanistan through negotiations between all the Afghan groups.
Qatar also hosted the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the United States in February 2020. As the Taliban took over Kabul this week, Doha stressed the need for protecting civilians and peaceful transfer of power.
Qatar’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been lauded by the Afghans as well as the global community. Doha is also playing an important part in the evacuation of foreigners and diplomats from Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the situation in Afghanistan with German Chancellor H E Angela Merkel. Both the leaders underlined the importance of continuing the talks and intensifying the necessary efforts to achieve the national reconciliation and the peaceful transfer of power for the interest of the Afghan people.
US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken also had a telephone call with his counterpart in Doha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The top US envoy thanked the State of Qatar for its role in continuing talks and providing the necessary assistance in the evacuation process.
They also stressed the importance of protecting civilians, intensifying efforts to achieve a national reconciliation, and working on a comprehensive political settlement to ensure a peaceful transition of power in light of the gains the people of Afghanistan have achieved.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister has also spoken with his counterparts in Indonesia and South Korea as well as the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan. In another meeting with Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Qatar’s top diplomat highlighted the need to protect civilians and working towards national reconciliation, a comprehensive political settlement and a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.
The Taliban on their part have reassured the people saying they wanted peaceful relations with other countries and would respect the rights of women. However, the real test for the Taliban starts now as they have taken over the country.
As the global community has called for, the Taliban must work towards forming an inclusive government in Kabul and protect the rights of all Afghans.
