Qatar's Emir stresses on ensuring 'peace, stability' for Afghan people

By Ahmed Yousef

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reiterated on Tuesday his country's support for the Afghan people and his country's keenness "on ensuring the brotherly Afghan people to live in peace and stability."

Sheikh Tamim made his comments at a virtual G20 meeting concerning Afghanistan.

"The State of Qatar contributed to the largest air bridge in history that helped evacuate thousands of individuals and families of different nationalities from Afghanistan," he said.

Sheikh Tamim stressed Qatar's desire to achieve reconciliation and peaceful coexistence with all of Afghanistan's spectrum and components.

“Experience has shown that isolation and siege lead to polarization of positions and sharp reactions, while dialogue and cooperation can lead to moderation and constructive settlements," he said.

The Qatari emir also noted that the Doha agreement in 2020 between the Taliban and the US was a result of talks with hopes of achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan.

At the same meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed the creation of a working group on Afghanistan under the G20 to address the situation there on political, economic and humanitarian levels.

The Taliban captured Kabul on Aug. 15, forcing the president and other top officials to leave the country. They have formed an interim government headed by Hasan Akhund.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara