Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence chief attended a major regional defence exhibition.
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Qatar, met Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Hanzab, the special envoy of Qatar’s foreign minister, to discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation, according to a statement from the Afghan embassy.
The talks focused on investment opportunities in Afghanistan and the modernisation of the agricultural sector. Trade, tourism and other areas of mutual interest were also discussed.
The embassy said both sides "emphasised further strengthening cooperation" in these fields.
The diplomatic engagement coincided with a visit to Doha by Mohammad Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of staff of Afghanistan’s armed forces, who attended the opening of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026).
Afghanistan’s defence ministry said Fitrat travelled to Doha on Sunday on an official visit to take part in the exhibition, where he was expected to engage with defence representatives from various countries and observe the latest developments in maritime and defence technology.
DIMDEX 2026 is being held from 19 to 22 January under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and is organised by the Qatar Armed Forces.
Qatar’s government has said the ninth edition reflects the country’s "ongoing commitment to supporting the pillars of global security and stability".
Qatar hosted the Taliban political office for several years and facilitated talks between the group and the United States, which led to the signing of a withdrawal agreement in February 2020.
While Doha has not formally recognised the Taliban administration, it has accepted Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan’s ambassador.
The meeting highlighted the gradual deepening of engagement between Afghanistan and Qatar, with both sides indicating an interest in building on existing diplomatic channels to advance cooperation in economic, agricultural and trade-related sectors.
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