Qatar FM, Khalilzad meet to discuss Afghan situation

KABUL: Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met on Monday with US Special Representative for Peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad to discuss the Afghan peace process and regional stability, Ariana News reported.

According to Qatar’s The Peninsula, relations of bilateral cooperation between Qatar and the US were reviewed during the meeting, as well as the latest developments in the region, especially in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the two sides affirmed the State of Qatar’s efforts and role in mediating to achieve stability in light of the ongoing developments in the field, as well as its commitment to encourage dialogue between brothers in Afghanistan and facilitate peace talks until a just and lasting political settlement is reached in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad is currently in Qatar and is expected to visit other countries in the region.

Meanwhile, a Taliban delegation led by Abbas Stanekzai traveled to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and met the Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister on Sunday, said Mohammad Naeem, a Taliban spokesman.

Naeem stated that the two sides discussed bilateral relations.

The Afghan government, however, stated that the Taliban visits countries to justify their recent violence across the country.

A number of Afghan MPs have also called on the peace negotiating teams to put aside their disputes and resume peace talks.

MP Ramazan Bashardost stated: “The negotiating parties differ for their personal interests. It is a war of wealth and power. They should start talks as soon as possible.”