Qatar has committed to continuing its role as a mediator between the Taliban and Germany amid the return of Afghan nationals from German territory, according to a statement released by the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry said that Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, held a phone conversation on Tuesday with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
During the call, the two discussed bilateral ties, the ongoing process of repatriating 81 Afghan nationals from Germany, and the next steps in that effort, the statement said.
According to the Taliban statement, Muttaqi described relations with Qatar as “progressing” and expressed gratitude for Doha’s role in facilitating communication between the Taliban and the German government.
Muttaqi was also quoted as saying that consular services for Afghan refugees residing in Germany are being provided transparently, and that further talks with Berlin will continue.
He voiced hope that with support from humanitarian organizations, the returnees would be able to resume a normal life in Afghanistan.
In the statement, Al-Khulaifi was quoted as reaffirming that Afghanistan holds a “special place” in Qatar’s foreign policy and described recent cooperation between Kabul and Berlin as important.
Qatar, he said, will continue its supportive role and closely monitor developments related to the return of Afghan migrants.
This comes after Germany reported 81 migrants to Kabul, which was the second group of immigrants that are sent back to Afghanistan after August 2021.
Sources said that Germany has agreed to accept two Taliban diplomats to work in Afghanistan’s embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn. Taliban have confirmed the agreement.
