The claim that shook the lobby: a secret meeting with the Taliban was held

It has been revealed that a secret meeting took place in Afghanistan between Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Es-Thani and Taliban leader Hibetullah Akhundzade.

Sources speaking to the British news agency Reuters also announced that the Taliban leader received Es-Thani in the southern city of Kandahar on May 12. Interpreting this meeting as “a step towards Afghanistan’s desire to open up to the outside world”, the international media interpreted that “Ahundzade will meet for the first time with a leader of a foreign country”.

It was also indicated that the administration of US President Joe Biden was aware of this meeting. The source, who has not been named, said the Qatari minister had told Akhundzade that “the ban on girls’ education and the employment bans on women should end.” The Taliban, which banned girls’ education in March 2022, imposed a ban on universities in December. The Taliban announced that education could begin after changes to the curriculum.

“THE MEETING PASSED POSITIVELY”

Commenting on the meeting that took place in Afghanistan, it also made “a diplomatic success for Qatar.”

The source, who did not reveal his name, said: “The meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere. Akhundzade has shown great interest in continuing dialogue with the international community.”

The White House, Qatar and the Taliban did not comment on the matter. Qatar’s embassy in Kabul, which has no diplomatic ties to Afghanistan, remains open.