Qatari official hails success of intra-Afghan talks as first step into ‘journey of a thousand miles’

Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani, the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar made the remarks at the conclusion of the two-day intra-Afghan talks late on Monday.
The Ministry of Foreign of Qatar in a statement said the Intra- Afghan Peace talks, launched on Sunday in Doha, and gathered many Afghan personalities representing many different parties in Afghanistan, in the context of efforts to support the peace process there.
Meanwhile, Dr. Al Qahtani said “More than 60 Afghans representing all segments of Afghan society, including women, the Taliban and representatives of the Government, met in their personal capacity for the first time to discuss ways to end the conflict in Afghanistan and achieve peace, where they dealt over a two-day with wide range of issues of common concern including the rights of women and minorities, the ceasefire, the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of foreign forces and the political future of Afghanistan.”
Al Qahtani further added “We are very pleased today to reach a joint statement as a first step to peace and we thank them for their support for the ongoing talks in Qatar which they consider important and positive in ending the conflict in Afghanistan.”
Furthermore, he said what has been reached today may be only a first step to find an understanding between the conflicting parties.
He also expressed hope that this event would mark the beginning of a meaningful process leading to a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Afghanistan.