Islamic Emirate Foreign Minister Meets Khalilzad, Announces Release of Detained American

Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Seif al-Ketbi, UAE Ambassador in Kabul, and Lee, a family member of an American citizen detained in Afghanistan.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, posted details of the meeting on his X account. Muttaqi stated that following a letter from the detainee's family, particularly the mother's, to the Amir al-Mu'minin requesting a pardon ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic Emirate's Supreme Court deemed the prison term sufficient and decided to release the individual.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that no foreign citizens are detained for political purposes, with releases occurring only after judicial processes for law violations. He stressed the need for both sides to provide standard consular services to their citizens, noting Afghanistan's full preparedness in this regard.

Muttaqi thanked the UAE government, particularly Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for its constructive role in facilitating the release and described the UAE as a close friend of Afghanistan. He also appreciated Qatar's efforts in exchanging information between the Islamic Emirate and the detainee's family.

Zalmay Khalilzad praised the Islamic Emirate's action and underscored the importance of continuing talks between the two countries on all issues, expressing hope for further progress.

The UAE Ambassador announced his country's readiness to support humanitarian institutions and described such developments as beneficial to all parties.