THE key role of the State of Qatar in the ongoing global discussions and efforts for peaceful transition of power in Afghanistan is not a role emerging from the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country but it goes a long way back as the country facilitated many rounds of talks between the United States and Taliban representatives in Doha.
As well Qatar has hosted numerous rounds of talks between the Taliban and representatives of the Afghan government since September 2020 with an aim of reaching a political solution to the protracted conflict.
As major actors of the world have been relying on Qatar’s pivotal role in restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan, Qatar is witnessing extensive contacts and discussions with various world leaders and top diplomats from across the world.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Friday via a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America H E Joe Biden the latest developments in Afghanistan, strategic bilateral relations and the scope for expanding and enhancing them.
The US President expressed his thanks to H H the Amir for his country’s contribution to the evacuation of civilians and the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan.
As many countries are struggling to speed up the pace of evacuations of their citizens and vulnerable Afghans amid the chaos, the two leaders stressed the importance of protecting civilians, the peaceful transition of power, and de-escalating tensions towards a comprehensive political solution that guarantees security and stability to benefit the Afghan people.
The strong Qatar-US strategic ties and partnership require constant coordination at all levels of security, defence and diplomacy to ensure security and stability in the region, a fact confirmed by a number of meetings of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah with top US defence officials, including the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.
Al Attiyah and Austin reviewed bilateral military relations between the two nations and ways to strengthen them.
Doha as a valuable asset to global powers not only embraces the diplomatic role and is coordinating international efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan but also actively contributing to the efforts of evacuation of nationals of many countries from Kabul.
For this purpose Qatar sent to Kabul its evacuation missions which in the past two days evacuated over 300 mostly female students and over 200 media personnel with their family members “who are now safe in comfortable accommodation in Doha”, as stated by H E Lolwah Al Khater Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs.
