The Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Adam Boehler, the US Special Envoy for Prisoners, and Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Envoy in Afghanistan, met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul to discuss the release of prisoners.
Muttaqi described the visit as a positive step in the relationship between the Taliban and Washington. This marks the first visit by a US delegation to Afghanistan since the American forces withdrew from the country in August 2021. Previously, US officials and Taliban representatives had met in Qatar and Norway.
The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday that Boehler and Khalilzad travelled to Kabul to discuss prisoner exchanges, bilateral relations, and consular services for Afghans in the United States. Muttaqi welcomed the meeting, stressing that the Taliban seeks constructive relations with all countries within the framework of its balanced foreign policy. He highlighted the need for dialogue to resolve issues and build positive political and economic ties, overcoming the effects of the 20-year war.
According to the Taliban Foreign Ministry, Boehler stated that progress in prisoner negotiations is a significant step in fostering trust between the two sides. He also praised the Taliban's efforts in combating drug trafficking and maintaining security. He emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and strengthening relations through negotiations.
In the final days of his presidency, US President Joe Biden intensified efforts to secure the release of American hostages held by the Taliban. In a recent exchange, the US and the Taliban swapped three prisoners: American citizens Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were released in exchange for Khan Mohammad, a Taliban member imprisoned in the United States. Qatar facilitated the exchange.
While meeting with the family of a US hostage, Mike Waltz, the U.S. National Security Advisor, warned that Donald Trump would not show leniency to groups or countries holding American citizens hostage.
The exact number of US citizens currently detained by the Taliban remains unclear. However, Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American and former head of Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Authority, is known to be in Taliban custody. Sources told Afghanistan International that he is being held in one of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s prisons in Kandahar.
