Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held yesterday a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump of the friendly United States of America, during which the US President expressed his sincere thanks to His Highness for the efforts of the State of Qatar and its active role in facilitating the release of the two hostages who were held in Afghanistan.

During the call, they reviewed the strategic relations between the two friendly countries and ways of enhancing them, in addition to discussing the latest regional and international developments.

Earlier on Thursday, the State of Qatar welcomed the release of the American and Australian university professors previously held captive in Afghanistan, as well as the release of the other Afghan detainees.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said: “Qatar, in addition to its extensive efforts as mediator in the US-Taliban peace talks, has played an instrumental role in facilitating the release of the professors and Afghan detainees and maintaining continuous cooperation between all parties.”

“Qatar welcomes these releases as goodwill gestures by the Taliban and the Government of Afghanistan to advance peace and bring an end to war in Afghanistan,” the statement added.

“The State of Qatar thanks all the parties involved for their ongoing cooperation to secure the exchange of detainees, and congratulates the families of the American and Australian university professors for their safe return,” it said.

“Furthermore, Qatar is committed to achieving long lasting peace in Afghanistan through its ongoing mediation efforts,” the statement added.