Qatar announced the successful facilitation of a detainee swap between the United States of America and Afghanistan. In a statement to Qatar News Agency, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, stated that the good offices of the State of Qatar have resulted in the release of two American citizens who had been detained in Afghanistan, in exchange for the release of an Afghan citizen detained in the United States of America, stressing that all of them arrived in Doha, and the necessary arrangements were made in preparation for their return to their respective countries.
HE al-Khulaifi expressed Qatar’s gratitude to both and the Afghan caretaker government and the government of the United States for their positive response to Qatar’s efforts and their co-operation in facilitating the detainee swap process. He expressed Qatar’s hope that this agreement would pave the way for achieving further understandings as a means to resolve disputes through peaceful means.
HE al-Khulaifi emphasized that the success of this detainee swap underscores, once again, the position of Qatar as a reliable partner at the regional and international levels, and reflects, as well, Qatar’s effective role in the making of peace and enhancing security and stability in the region and the world.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that Qatar’s foreign policy is based on the constructive dialogue as a strategic option to bring viewpoints closer, pointing in this regard to the successes of Qatari diplomacy in a number of important files, emphasizing Qatar’s pivotal role in the field of mediation, including humanitarian efforts and the reunification of families. He also pointed out that Qatar has emerged as an effective party in providing innovative diplomatic and humanitarian solutions aimed at addressing crises, and its continuous efforts have been able to alleviate the suffering of those affected, the latest of which is its efforts with partners to reach a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and the swap of detainees and prisoners there.
He affirmed Qatar’s steadfast support for all segments of the brotherly Afghan people and reiterated its ongoing endeavors to achieve security, stability, and prosperity in Afghanistan.
Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi commended Qatar’s prominent role in facilitating the detainee swap between United States and Afghanistan, emphasizing that these efforts reflect Qatar’s established position and key role in promoting security and stability at both regional and international levels.
In a statement, Albudaiwi highlighted that Qatar’s successful mediation stands as a model for resolving international disputes through peaceful and constructive dialogue, in accordance with international principles and agreements. He also noted that this initiative showcases the positive contributions of GCC countries as trusted partners in fostering global security and peace, further strengthening impact of Gulf diplomacy on the international stage.
Albudaiwi expressed pride in the ongoing efforts of GCC member states in mediating conflicts, bridging divides, and supporting nations both regionally and globally. He affirmed that these impactful roles have garnered widespread recognition and respect, underscoring their contributions to advancing peace, stability, and mutual understanding among nations worldwide.
