Qatar Elevates Diplomatic Mission in Kabul Without Recognizing Taliban
The Taliban-led Foreign Ministry has announced that Qatar has elevated the status of its diplomatic mission in Kabul by promoting its previous chargé d’affaires, Muardef Al-Kahtouty, to ambassador. According to a statement released by the ministry, Al-Kahtouty presented his credentials to Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister.
During their meeting, Muttaqi welcomed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade and the deployment of Afghan laborers to Qatar. He urged the Qatari ambassador to expedite the process of sending Afghan workers, stating that such collaboration could usher in a broader and more advanced phase in relations between the two countries.
Al-Kahtouty pledged to make further efforts to enhance bilateral relations. He also affirmed that Qatar will continue its role as a regional and international mediator.
While the Taliban administration has welcomed the development, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has not officially commented on the ambassadorial appointment or its level of formal relations with the Taliban. Qatar has yet to officially recognize the Taliban government. Nonetheless, interactions between the two sides have continued over the past four years.
Despite being an active player in Afghan affairs and host of previous intra-Afghan negotiations, Qatar’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Kabul without formal recognition of the Taliban has raised questions about its true position. The lack of a clear official statement may indicate Doha’s intention to maintain a balanced approach in its regional and international relations.
