A technical meeting of the ministerial contact group of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Afghanistan was held in Jeddah on Saturday, with Qatar calling for a collective and balanced approach toward the country and “responsible engagement” with the Taliban.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said Afghanistan’s current situation was “unique,” particularly because of urgent humanitarian needs, and stressed that any engagement should take place within the principles and framework of the OIC.
“Afghanistan’s situation, particularly from the perspective of urgent humanitarian assistance, is unique,” the ministry said. “This requires a collective and balanced approach, responsible engagement, and special consideration for the humanitarian conditions, in line with OIC principles and in support of the Afghan people.”
Saudi Arabia hosted the meeting, which focused on coordination among OIC member states on how to engage with Afghanistan amid ongoing political and humanitarian challenges.
Qatar’s comments come as the Taliban have repeatedly rejected calls by the OIC over the past four years to reopen secondary schools and universities to women and girls, one of the key demands raised by Islamic countries and international organisations.
Afghanistan remains a member of the OIC, but its formal participation in the organisation’s meetings has been suspended since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, due to the lack of international recognition of the Taliban administration.
Analysts say Afghanistan’s continued diplomatic isolation has limited its participation in major international and regional forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and OIC meetings, deepening the country’s economic and social pressures.
