Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has appointed Mirdif Ali Al Qashouti as the country’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Afghanistan, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Tuesday.

Al Qashouti has served as Chargé d’Affaires at Qatar’s embassy in Kabul for the past three years. He succeeds Saeed bin Mubarak Al Khayarin, whose term as ambassador to Afghanistan recently concluded.

According to the official decree published by QNA, the Emir’s decision takes immediate effect and will also be published in the state’s Official Gazette.

Qatar maintains close relations with the Taliban and has frequently acted as a mediator between the group and the international community. The Gulf nation has also played a significant role in facilitating the release of American and Western hostages held in Afghanistan.