German chancellor, Qatari emir speak over phone

BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke over the phone with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, her spokesman said on Wednesday.

Steffen Seibert said in a press release that the two leaders discussed the situation in Afghanistan and recent contacts with the Taliban.

They also addressed developments in the region and economic cooperation between Germany and Qatar, he added.

German officials held talks with senior Taliban representatives in Qatar’s capital Doha last month. Talks were primarily focused on humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, security-related issues, and safe passage for Germans and Afghan citizens who want to leave the country.