Afghanistan Releases American National In Diplomatic Gesture

KABUL, Sept 29 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The Afghan government announced on Sunday the release of an American national in what officials described as a gesture aimed at advancing diplomatic engagement with the United States, reported Xinhua.

According to deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler led a delegation to Kabul, where he met with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. During the meeting, Muttaqi confirmed that US citizen Amir Amiri had been released earlier in the day.

Muttaqi underscored that the Afghan administration does not treat cases involving foreign nationals as political leverage, stressing that diplomacy remains the most effective channel for resolving such issues.

Muttaqi hailed the move as a "constructive step forward" and extended gratitude to the State of Qatar for mediating in prisoner-exchange talks between Kabul and Washington, the official added.

Boehler welcomed the Afghan government's decision, calling it "a good moment." He said previous discussions between the two sides had been productive and voiced optimism that continued dialogue could help address other unresolved matters.

The US special presidential envoy has been engaging with Afghan officials in recent weeks as part of Washington's ongoing efforts to secure the release of American citizens detained in Afghanistan.  

--BERNAMA-XINHUA