Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has appointed Charge d’Affaire Mirdef Al Qashouti as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Qatar to Afghanistan. Qatar officially announced this decision on October 21.
Qatar has maintained extensive relations with the Taliban government since their return to power in Afghanistan. Recently, Qatar, along with Turkey, also acted as a mediator in facilitating a ceasefire negotiation between the Taliban and Pakistan.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated on October 21 that they seek good relations with all countries, including the US. However, despite this, no country except Russia has formally recognized the Taliban government in the past four years.
The international community demands that the Taliban’s government be inclusive, respect human rights (especially women’s and girls’ rights), combat terrorism, and uphold freedom of expression and media. Although the Taliban claims its government is inclusive and protects all Afghans’ rights under Islamic Sharia, these claims are not convincing to the international community.
Although some countries haven’t formally recognized the Taliban government, they’ve returned diplomats to Kabul and accepted Taliban representatives to maintain technical ties, ensure humanitarian and consular access, and facilitate trade relations.
Qatar has appointed Mirdef Al Qashouti as its new Ambassador to Afghanistan, according to an official announcement by Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Al Qashouti was previously the Chargé affairs at the Qatari Embassy in Kabul. He has been involved in various diplomatic roles since joining the Qatari foreign service in 2008.
This appointment comes as Qatar continues to engage with the Taliban government, despite not formally recognizing it. Notably, Qatar has been a key mediator in the past, hosting the Taliban’s political office and facilitating negotiations between the US and the Taliban, which led to the 2020 Doha Agreement.
The appointment is part of a broader diplomatic effort, with the Amir also appointing ambassadors to Syria, Egypt, Turkmenistan, and several other countries.
Qatar’s diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan includes humanitarian assistance and facilitating prisoner exchanges between the US and Taliban governments.
