Second US Delegation Visit to Kabul: Focus on Bilateral Ties, Prisoner Exchange

A U.S. delegation led by Adam Boehler, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, accompanied by Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, visited Kabul for the second time in 2025.

The mid-September trip centered on discussions about bilateral relations, prisoner exchanges, and expanding political-economic ties, signaling Washington’s intent for greater engagement with the Islamic Emirate.

In a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Islamic Emirate’s Foreign Minister, Boehler emphasized that the U.S. respects the choices of nations and has no intention of imposing anything on Afghans.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Foreign Ministry, stated that both sides held comprehensive talks on enhancing bilateral relations, citizen-related issues, investment, and economic opportunities in Afghanistan.

Takal noted, “Both parties stressed the importance of continued dialogue on current and future issues, particularly regarding citizens detained in each other’s countries.” Muttaqi, referencing the Doha Agreement, called it a golden opportunity to normalize relations, adding that no insurmountable challenges exist.

The U.S. delegation also met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, to discuss Afghanistan’s current situation, regional and global issues, and bilateral political-economic relations.

Baradar urged moving away from confrontation toward engagement, while Boehler affirmed that the Doha Agreement has been implemented without violations.

He stressed expanding ties and facilitating prisoner exchanges between the two sides.

Omar Samad, former Afghan ambassador to Canada and France, described the visit as “a step toward further steps,” contingent on tangible outcomes.

He added, “It’s an opportunity for both sides, especially in a world moving toward multipolarity and regional shifts.” Samad saw the engagement as a shift from years of U.S.

confrontation.This marks Boehler’s second Kabul visit in 2025, following a March trip with Khalilzad that led to the release of two American citizens, George Glezmann and Fay Dee Hall, from Emirate custody.

Boehler had then called progress on prisoner issues “a vital trust-building step.” Amid global geopolitical challenges, these visits could pave the way for more stable U.S.-Afghan relations, though issues like human rights and sanctions remain