Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that Afghanistan remains a major focus for Washington in terms of terrorist activity and regional security threats.

Speaking during a hearing before lawmakers, Cooper said Afghanistan continues to be “on the forefront” of U.S. monitoring efforts regarding militant groups.

“Afghanistan remains on the forefront of what we are watching in terms of terrorist activity,” he told the committee.

The CENTCOM commander added that the United States is working closely with regional partners to contain and suppress potential threats emerging from Afghanistan.

The remarks come as U.S. officials continue to express concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American forces from the country in 2021.

The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, emphasizing that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met on Thursday with Johannes Bruwer, the newly appointed head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and received a copy of his credentials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during the meeting, Muttaqi described relations between Afghanistan and the ICRC as historic, congratulated Bruwer on the start of his mission in Afghanistan, wished him success, and assured him of full cooperation in advancing humanitarian efforts.

Muttaqi also praised the services of Katharina Ritz, the outgoing head of the organization, and commended the activities carried out during her mission in Afghanistan. He also wished her success in her future responsibilities.

For his part, Bruwer expressed pleasure over the beginning of his mission in Afghanistan and pledged to continue providing humanitarian services in close coordination with the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Ritz thanked the institutions of the Islamic Emirate for their cooperation and support throughout her mission and described her tenure as full of achievements and positive memories.

At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation in humanitarian affairs and the strengthening of mutual engagement.

China’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, has met with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to Qatar, where the two sides discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on ways to strengthen joint international efforts aimed at promoting security and stability in Afghanistan.

During the talks, Al Khulaifi reiterated Qatar’s support for initiatives seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts and efforts to reinforce peace and stability at both regional and international levels.

Qatar has played an active diplomatic role in Afghan affairs in recent years, including hosting talks involving the Afghan authorities and international representatives.