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Qatar reaffirms commitment to Kabul at first OIC Ministerial Meeting on Afghanistan
Al Khulaifi stressed that Afghans are enduring “unprecedented hardships” and called on the group to intensify diplomatic engagement, strengthen cooperation, and ensure the implementation of agreed decisions.
Qatar has pledged continued support for Afghanistan during the inaugural ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatar emphasized the urgency of collective action as Afghanistan faces overlapping humanitarian, economic, and political crises.
In his remarks, Al Khulaifi expressed condolences to the victims of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of solidarity among OIC member states. He stressed that Afghans are enduring “unprecedented hardships” and called on the group to intensify diplomatic engagement, strengthen cooperation, and ensure the implementation of agreed decisions.
Highlighting Qatar’s longstanding role in facilitating dialogue, Al Khulaifi recalled the launch of the Doha Peace Process in 2013 and noted Qatar’s continued efforts to host negotiations among Afghan stakeholders. He also pointed to Qatar’s role in hosting the UN-led Doha Process, including the Secretary-General’s meetings of special envoys on Afghanistan in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024.
Most recently, Qatar hosted the third meeting of the Counter-Narcotics Working Group and the second meeting of the Private Sector Working Group on June 30 and July 1, underscoring its support for both humanitarian and development priorities in Afghanistan.
Al Khulaifi affirmed Qatar’s readiness to work closely with OIC partners to monitor progress, address urgent humanitarian needs, and encourage constructive engagement between Afghanistan’s caretaker government and the international community in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2721.
He concluded by reiterating Qatar’s commitment to long-term humanitarian, development, and diplomatic efforts, saying that Doha will remain a steadfast partner for the Afghan people “during this critical period.”
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, has urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an event at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos against India, Nizamani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “brotherly ties” with Afghanistan.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad’s initiatives reflected its commitment to regional and global peace.
During the ceremony, Nizamani reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend itself against any aggression.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” the ambassador said, calling for heightened vigilance against regional threats.
Pakistani officials have consistently claimed that militants use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied this claim and said that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s security failures.
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
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Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
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New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
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Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
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