Qatar, US discuss Afghan developments after Taliban takeover

DOHA, Qatar

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani received a phone call Tuesday from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during which they discussed developments in Afghanistan.

A statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the two top diplomats discussed strategic bilateral relations and the latest security and political developments in Afghanistan.

During the call, Blinken extended thanks to Qatar "for its role in continuing talks and providing the necessary assistance in the process of the evacuation" from Afghanistan, the statement said.

They also underlined the importance of “protecting civilians ... and working on a comprehensive political settlement to ensure a peaceful transition of power" in Afghanistan, the statement added.

Early on Tuesday, the Qatari foreign minister discussed the latest security and political developments in Afghanistan with a delegation from the Taliban movement, headed by Abdul Ghani Baradar.

For years, Doha, Qatar hosted peace talks with the Taliban.

After quickly overrunning smaller administrative districts and provincial hubs, Taliban fighters on Sunday entered the Afghan capital Kabul and seized power, taking the country’s reins for the first time in almost 20 years.

The government quickly folded, with President Ashraf Ghani and other key officials fleeing for safety abroad.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara