Qatar has called on the international community to maintain engagement with Afghanistan, stressing that the country’s future should be shaped through an inclusive, Afghan-led political process that respects its sovereignty and independence.

Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a meeting of the Afghanistan Coordination Group in Doha.

She said Afghanistan needed sustained international engagement, clear priorities and practical cooperation, emphasizing that Afghans themselves should determine their country’s future.

According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Al-Misnad underscored the importance of an inclusive political process led by Afghans, with full respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

She also highlighted Qatar’s role in facilitating dialogue among Afghan stakeholders, the United Nations and international partners over the past several years.

Al-Misnad stressed that stability in Afghanistan was essential not only for its people but also for regional security, economic connectivity and international peace.

She added that the country continued to face serious humanitarian challenges and required support in healthcare, nutrition, education, water and food security.

Meanwhile, Suhail Shaheen, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s ambassador to Qatar, described the policy of pressuring and isolating Afghanistan as a failure, arguing that constructive engagement and broader international cooperation offered a more effective path forward.

“The policy of pressure and isolation toward Afghanistan does not work and is a failed approach,” Shaheen said, calling for greater cooperation based on mutual understanding and regional connectivity.

He emphasized Afghanistan’s strategic importance to regional security and economic integration, saying that positive international engagement could help resolve many outstanding issues.

“Afghanistan is a hub for regional connectivity and is important for regional security and stability,” Shaheen said.

Political analyst Zohoruddin Zahir said Qatar had played an effective role in Afghanistan-related affairs, expressing hope that the country’s challenges would be addressed as a priority and that outside interference in its internal affairs would end.

Qatar has remained actively involved in diplomatic efforts concerning Afghanistan and maintained relations with the Islamic Emirate in recent years.

The meeting in Doha comes amid continuing calls for greater international engagement with Afghanistan, with discussions focusing on humanitarian assistance, regional cooperation and a political process that respects the country’s sovereignty. (ILKHA)