US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan in a phone call on Saturday.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a newsletter that the two countries discussed bilateral cooperation relations and the latest developments in Afghanistan, among other things.
In a separate statement issued by the US Department of State, the US Secretary of State reiterated his appreciation for Qatar’s continued assistance to Afghanistan.
The conversation came following the Qatari delegation’s recent meeting with the Taliban leaders in Kandahar province.
According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the Qatari delegation and the group’s de facto Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, foster trust between Afghanistan and Qatar, and improve cooperation in education, health, and the economy.
Sources in southern Kandahar province reported that the discussion included girls’ education, women’s work, and health assistance.