Qatar's prime minister held secret talks with the Taliban supreme leader in May, focusing on resolving tensions with the international community. About it writes Reuters, citing a source. As the agency notes, these events may indicate the readiness of the Afghan authorities to discuss ways that would help end the country's isolation.
The meeting in question took place on May 12 in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar between Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada. It was the first meeting of the head of the Taliban with a foreign leader.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the talks and is "coordinating all issues being discussed" by the couple, including continuing dialogue with the Taliban, a Reuters source told Reuters.
Also, according to the agency, among other issues raised by Sheikh Mohammed with the Taliban leader was the need to lift the ban on the education of girls and the employment of women.
Restrictions on training and work for women hinder humanitarian assistance and are key reasons why no country has recognized Taliban rule since they took power in August 2021.
The Taliban's treatment of women and girls could amount to a crime against humanity, according to a UN report. The Taliban claim to respect women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the US military left the country. In Russia (as in many other countries), the Taliban is recognized as a terrorist movement. Nevertheless, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , the statements made by the Taliban during the talks in Moscow allow us to say that they are "sane people."