Qatar has been playing a pivotal role in mediating regional and international issues, making it one of the major powers to be reckoned with when it comes to international peace and security and the efforts made by the country has been greatly appreciated across the world.
The second round of talks between the United States (US) and the Taliban has just concluded in Doha. The negotiations were aimed at finding a solution to the longest-running conflict with the US. The first round of talks were held between January 21 and 26, 2019, which was followed by talks between February 25 to March 12, 2019 in Doha. The talks focused on two main issues such as the withdrawal of the US and Coalition Forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s commitment to preventing and denying the use of Afghan soil in a manner that threatens the security of the US, its allies and any other country.
The rival parties, assisted by Qatari mediators, agreed that a lasting peace agreement should be based on four main interlinked components that shall be executed pursuant to an agreed upon timeline and conditions. The dialogue was hosted and mediated by Qatar, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for Counter-terrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani. The US side was led by the Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, while Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai led the Taliban side.
Both the parties thanked Qatar for its extensive efforts and constructive support in mediating the longest round of negotiations between them.
Qatar renewed its plea for the inclusion of all regional and international parties to streamline and consolidate these efforts and the efforts of Qatar’s strategic partners to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Qatar’s contribution to the Afghan peace efforts is not something new. The country has a record of achieving successful mediation, such as the Doha Peace Agreement for Darfur, saving Lebanon from the brink of a civil war, role in resolving Djibouti-Eritrea border dispute, to name a few.
Qatar’s contribution toward dispute resolution is not restricted to forging peace agreements. It goes beyond peaceful settlements to finding a lasting solution, creating a legacy for the future generation through providing education and employment, which will lay a strong foundation for a sustainable development in the conflict areas.
The country’s success in mediation in a number of regional and international issues reflects the wisdom and foresightedness of its able leadership, its diplomacy and the confidence in the integrity of the role it plays.
