UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will meet the Amir of Qatar and the Qatari Foreign Minister in Doha on Thursday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and secure safe passage for British nationals and Afghan supporters from the conflict-torn country, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.
The FCDO said the Cabinet minister's decision to visit Doha first on a trip to the region reflects the "high-profile" role the Qataris have played with regard to Afghanistan in recent years, including hosting the Taliban political office in Doha since 2013.
The prospect of getting Kabul airport up and running and safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans across land borders is said to be on top of the agenda for his visit to Qatar. The Gulf state has already begun discussions about how best to ensure security at Kabul airport.
In Doha, Raab will meet the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, and deputy prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani.
“The Foreign Secretary will seek Qatari views on the feasibility of a functioning airport in Kabul, either for charter or commercial flights, which would provide a vital route for remaining UK nationals and Afghans most at risk to leave the country,” the FCDO said.