Taliban said on Wednesday that their acting chief minister, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, has accepted the credentials of Qatar’s newly appointed ambassador to Afghanistan, Mirdef bin Ali al-Qashouti.
The Taliban’s foreign ministry said last week that Qatar had elevated al-Qashouti — previously the chargé d’affaires in Kabul — to full ambassador. Qatar’s foreign ministry has not publicly commented on the appointment.
Qatar has not recognised the Taliban administration but has maintained regular engagement with its leaders.
Doha has hosted several rounds of talks involving the Taliban in recent years and played a key role in securing the release of US and other foreign nationals from Taliban custody.
Qatar has also been involved in mediating between Pakistan and the Taliban during rising tensions over cross-border militancy.
The Taliban chief minister’s office quoted al-Qashouti as saying Qatar supported “progress and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan.” Akhund expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to deepen.
Al-Qashouti has headed Qatar’s diplomatic mission in Kabul since October.
