Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said that diplomatic efforts must be increased to address the challenges of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, and dialogue and cooperation among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members regarding this country must be strengthened.

Al-Khulaifi said on Tuesday, September 22, at the meeting of the OIC Contact Group of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing continued support for diplomatic and humanitarian processes related to Afghanistan.

He added that OIC members, in the current difficult conditions of the Afghan people, have a responsibility to act in coordination, encourage genuine dialogue, and continue their support for the people of this country.

According to Al-Khulaifi, Qatar has supported peaceful solutions based on dialogue and preventive diplomacy since 2013 and the beginning of the Doha process for Afghan peace, and has hosted various rounds of negotiations between Afghan parties.

He also emphasized the importance of continuing the UN-led Doha process and said that the achievements of this process must be preserved, and the Afghanistan issue must remain on the agenda of the international community.

Al-Khulaifi added that alongside diplomatic efforts, Qatar has continued humanitarian aid and development programs in Afghanistan and has been active in sectors such as education and employment for women, girls, and youth.

He emphasized that Qatar, within the framework of the OIC, is ready to cooperate with other members of this organization to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and strengthen constructive engagement between the Taliban and the international community.

It is worth noting that Qatar has close ties with the Taliban and has supported the group’s regime over the past five years.