Qatar, Malaysia discuss cooperation on Afghanistan humanitarian issues

DOHA: Cooperation on humanitarian issues in Afghanistan was among the matters discussed during a meeting between Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister Lolwah Rashid Mohammed Al-Khater and Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar.

The discussion took place during Kamarudin's visit to Doha on Thursday.

According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) quoting a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, among other things discussed during the meeting were the latest developments in Afghanistan, especially issues related to security, politics and the economy.

Both parties also discussed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Malaysia as well as ways to support and strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields.

Kamarudin also expressed his thanks and appreciation to Qatar for its efforts and important role in facilitating evacuation operations from Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Taliban Political Office spokesman in Doha Dr Muhammad Naim also met Kamaruddin and his delegation.

Through a tweet, Naim said various political, economic and bilateral issues were discussed in detail during the meeting.

"We shared with the Deputy Minister the latest developments in Afghanistan, especially on security, political and economic issues, and we also shared other related issues such as human rights, women's rights and good governance," he said.

He said the Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister had given an assurance of continued cooperation and assistance to the Afghan people.

Naim also said both sides expressed hope that relations between Afghanistan and Malaysia would continue to grow in order to continue cooperation in various fields.

He also thanked Malaysia for its assistance and its desire to continue good relations with Afghanistan.

Malaysia is currently taking a cautious stance and is examining the latest developments in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country after taking over Kabul on Aug 15, 2021.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat earlier said that until now, no foreign country had recognised the Taliban interim government, including neighbouring countries around Afghanistan.

He said there were several considerations or factors which needs to be fine-tuned before the government makes a final decision on the issue of recognition including the level of acceptance of the Afghan people themselves towards the establishment of a government by the Taliban in the country.

-- BERNAMA