US-Gulf talks to discuss developments in the Afghan file
Yesterday, Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the developments in Afghanistan.
The Emir of Qatar confirmed that, during a phone call he received from Austin, he discussed “strengthening strategic relations and the latest developments in the situation in Afghanistan.”
For his part, Austin said, “The United States expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for his country’s efforts in supporting peace in Afghanistan and facilitating the evacuation of civilians from it.”
Qatar played the role of mediator in negotiations between Washington and the Taliban movement, which resulted in the signing of a historic agreement in late February 2020, for an American withdrawal from the country, while the United States and Japan announced, on Tuesday, that their embassies would operate from Doha.
In a related context, the Emirates News Agency reported that Austin, during a phone call made by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, thanked the UAE for its support for his country in the evacuations from Afghanistan.
The two sides discussed “cooperative relations in defense and military affairs and the promotion of joint work between the two countries, and exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.”
The Taliban movement recently took control of Afghanistan, after nearly 20 years, to overthrow it by a military coalition led by the United States.
Source: agencies
