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The State of Qatar announces the successful facilitation of a detainee swap between the United States of America and Afghanistan

Doha | January 21, 2025

The State of Qatar announced the successful facilitation of a detainee swap between the United States of America and Afghanistan.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the good offices of the State of Qatar have resulted in the release of two American citizens who had been detained in Afghanistan, in exchange for the release of an Afghan citizen detained in the United States of America, stressing that all of them arrived in Doha, and the necessary arrangements were made in preparation for their return to their respective countries.

His Excellency expressed Qatar's gratitude to both and the Afghan Caretaker Government and the Government of the United States of America for their positive response to the State of Qatar's efforts and their cooperation in facilitating the detainee swap process. His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's hope that this agreement would pave the way for achieving further understandings as a means to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

His Excellency emphasized that the success of this Detainee swap underscores, once again, the position of the State of Qatar as a reliable partner at the regional and international levels, and reflects, as well, Qatar's effective role in the making of peace and enhancing security and stability in the region and the world.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that Qatar's foreign policy is based on the constructive dialogue as a strategic option to bring viewpoints closer, pointing in this regard to the successes of Qatari diplomacy in a number of important files, emphasizing Qatar’s pivotal role in the field of mediation, including humanitarian efforts and the reunification of families. He also pointed out that the State of Qatar has emerged as an effective party in providing innovative diplomatic and humanitarian solutions aimed at addressing crises, and its continuous efforts have been able to alleviate the suffering of those affected, the latest of which is its efforts with partners to reach a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and the swap of detainees and prisoners there.

His Excellency affirmed Qatar's steadfast support for all segments of the brotherly Afghan people and reiterated its ongoing endeavors to achieve security, stability, and prosperity in Afghanistan.