US delegation meets acting FM Muttaqi in Kabul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate announced on Thursday that a delegation from the United States visited Kabul and held talks with the acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi regarding the release of prisoners.

The delegation included Adam Boehler, the US Special Representative for Hostage Affairs, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US envoy for Afghanistan.

Muttaqi described the visit as a step forward in relations between Kabul and Washington.

According to a statement from the foreign ministry, the discussions focused on bilateral relations, prisoner exchanges, and consular services for Afghan citizens in the US.

Muttaqi called the meeting a positive step toward improving relations and emphasized that the Islamic Emirate seeks constructive engagement with all parties as part of its balanced foreign policy.

He also stressed the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and moving beyond the impacts of the 20-year war to establish positive political and economic ties.

The ministry quoted Boehler, who described progress in prisoner negotiations as a significant step in building mutual trust between the two sides.

Boehler also praised the IEA’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and ensuring security.

He emphasized the need for continued dialogue between the IEA and the US, stating that strengthening relations through negotiations is crucial.

Boehler further noted that Afghanistan and the US have historical ties, which, despite challenges in certain periods, remain significant.