DOHA — Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mary Bischoping met with Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from several other countries, to discuss shared concerns related to Afghanistan, including counterterrorism, narcotics trafficking, irregular migration and the release of American detainees, according to a statement by US embassy for Afghanistan.
The statement posted on Wednesday described the talks as “results-oriented” and praised Qatar as “a valued, collaborative friend” in advancing mutual priorities.
The statement said the discussions focused on “getting all American detainees home safely, curbing illegal migration, and counternarcotics.”
Qatar has long served as a diplomatic intermediary between the West and the Taliban, hosting multiple rounds of negotiations both before and after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The Gulf nation continues to play a role in facilitating humanitarian coordination and discreet diplomatic engagement.
“We are proud to call Qatar a valued, collaborative friend in our common pursuit of security, prosperity, and regional stability,” the U.S. statement added.
