BLINKEN, AUSTIN MEET QATAR EMIR

Qatar’s Emir yesterday discussed developments in Afghanistan and efforts to enhance security there with visiting US secretaries of state and defence. Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani received US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

Washington is seeking support for the evacuation of Americans and at-risk Afghans and to build a consensus among allies on how to respond to the Taliban. Qatar said on Saturday that it had reopened Kabul airport for humanitarian aid and domestic flights in coordination with the taliban. Other international flights are expected to resume soon, it said.