* US secretary of state: Qatar has been an enormously important partner in peace talks
* Turkish FM: The peace deal would have been impossible if it wasn't for the role played by Qatar
* Oman FM: Qatar's efforts ultimately led to the accord for bringing peace to Afghanistan
* Tajikistan FM: The deal reflects the success of Qatari diplomacy
* Taliban leader Baradar: Thankful to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari officials who supported the negotiations
The historic peace accord signed by the US and the Taliban in Doha on Saturday under the auspices of Qatar has been lauded across the world. The agreement is expected to end nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan.
Speaking prior to the signing, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his appreciation for Qatar's hosting of talks which led to an agreement, and thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
He praised the efforts made by Qatar to bring peace to Afghanistan, and efforts to bring views of all sides together. "So the nation of Qatar has been an enormously important partner to get us to this very moment. When we have hit bumps in the road, they have helped smooth them out. They have agreed to host a significant piece of the conversations that have taken place that have built out on the set of agreements. We appreciate that and we thank them."
Pompeo expressed his confidence that Qatar will continue to provide assistance and support to the efforts of the US to bring peace, adding, "They have been great partners in getting to this point, and we're counting on them to continue their efforts to deliver for the Afghan people this enormous opportunity that this moment brings."
Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirodjidin Muhriddin expressed appreciation of Qatari mediation of US-Taliban talks which led to the peace agreement.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony he said the deal reflects the success of Qatari diplomacy in helping the two sides achieve peace.
Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah Rashid AlKhater attributed the success to Qatar adopting an equidistant approach to everyone, which led to progress in negotiations after it was stopped, despite unsuccessful attempts from several countries.
“The factors for success are the patience of Qatar, as well as the firm and steadfast approach in committing to neutrality, honesty, and not hiding any undeclared agendas.
“The commitment of Qatar to peace is what enabled it to achieve this historic achievement,” she said while asserting that Qatar will continue its efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.
HE AlKhater affirmed that Qatar sought to play a positive role, noting that these endeavours are considered a very important step on the path to establishing sustainable and comprehensive peace in Afghanistan, which contains all components of the Afghan people.
She noted that the agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan is a historical achievement for Qatari diplomacy, describing it as a great step forward. She thanked all the parties involved.
Head of the Political Office of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar described the signing of the agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan, as a historic event.
He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari officials who supported these negotiations for a long time and hosted the movement and facilitated its mission.
Oman's Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah praised Qatar's efforts in holding talks that ultimately led to the agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan.
“The agreement, signed between the US and the Taliban in Doha, gives hope that the region's issues could be resolved, and creates an opportunity to overcome obstacles and use the agreement as a model for resolving crises,” he said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lauded the decisive role Qatar played in ensuring the success of talks between the US and the Taliban, congratulating the leadership, government, and people of Qatar on the achievement.
He stressed that the achievement would have been impossible if it wasn't for the role played by Qatar and successful mediation, which contributed to the historic achievement.
