Qatar Participates in OIC Ministerial Contact Group on Afghanistan

New York, September 22, 2026 : The State of Qatar took part in a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Contact Group on Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

In remarks delivered ahead of the meeting, Dr. Al Khulaifi said the challenges facing the Afghan people demanded intensified diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations, broaden cooperation, and fully implement OIC resolutions on Afghanistan. He added that, with the Afghan people enduring extremely difficult circumstances, OIC member states bore a responsibility to act in harmony, encourage genuine dialogue, and continue extending support — noting that Qatar's commitment to the issue has long been steadfast.

He further noted that since the launch of the Doha Process for Peace in Afghanistan in 2013, Qatar has consistently championed peaceful solutions grounded in dialogue and preventive diplomacy, hosting numerous rounds of talks between Afghan parties and helping advance an inclusive political process.

Dr. Al Khulaifi affirmed that Qatar was honored to host the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which began with meetings of Special Envoys convened by the UN Secretary-General in Doha in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024. In this regard, he pointed to the third meeting of the Working Group on Counter-Narcotics and the second meeting of the Working Group on the Private Sector, held on June 30 and July 1 respectively, and expressed Qatar's anticipation of the upcoming fourth meeting of Special Envoys. He stressed the importance of sustaining support for the process and maintaining its momentum, while keeping Afghanistan high on the international agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2721.

Alongside these diplomatic efforts, Dr. Al Khulaifi noted that Qatar maintains a sustained humanitarian and development presence in Afghanistan. Through the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, the Education Above All Foundation, and the Qatar Red Crescent Society, Qatar has implemented a wide range of projects across the country, with particular priority given to the education and employment of women, girls, and young people — representing, he said, an investment in Afghanistan's future without which lasting peace cannot be achieved.

He added that, within the OIC framework, Qatar remains ready to work closely with fellow member states to follow up on progress, respond to urgent humanitarian needs, and encourage constructive engagement between the de facto authorities and the international community.

Dr. Al Khulaifi concluded his remarks by reaffirming Qatar's steadfast commitment to standing alongside its brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, particularly during these difficult times.

Source: QNA