Senior intelligence and security officials from Türkiye and Qatar have visited Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, where they held meetings with Taliban officials amid continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to reports from Kabul.
According to the reports, the visit followed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing a range of issues, including strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, regional security concerns and the status of trade and transit routes between the two neighbouring countries.
Sources said discussions also focused on reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, encouraging dialogue between the two sides and exploring avenues for the restoration and expansion of trade links. Reports indicate that regional security developments and broader geopolitical issues were also discussed.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained tense in recent years, with both sides exchanging accusations over cross-border militancy and security incidents. Trade and transit routes have also faced repeated disruptions, affecting commercial activity between the two countries.
According to Turkish media and security sources, Ibrahim Kalin, head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), met several senior Taliban officials during the visit, including Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq. Discussions reportedly focused on strengthening security and intelligence cooperation, bilateral relations and regional developments.
Reports from Kabul also stated that a senior Qatari delegation was present in the Afghan capital during the visit. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry confirmed that Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid separately met Hamad bin Khamis Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Chairman of Qatar’s National Security Council, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations and continued cooperation.
Several regional media outlets reported that the visit comes amid broader efforts by Türkiye and Qatar to maintain communication channels between Kabul and Islamabad and help prevent further deterioration in relations. However, neither Ankara nor Doha has publicly stated that the visit was conducted at Pakistan’s request.
The visit also coincides with Afghanistan’s efforts to diversify its trade routes and reduce reliance on traditional transit corridors through Pakistan by expanding economic links with Iran and Central Asian countries. Continued disruptions in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations have increased the importance of alternative trade and transport networks for Kabul.
Neither the Taliban authorities, the Turkish government nor the Qatari government has released detailed information regarding the outcomes of the meetings. However, officials from the participating sides described the talks as focusing on security cooperation, regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts and bilateral relations.