Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s Army Chief of Staff, arrived in Doha on Sunday to attend the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX). This official visit takes place even though Qatar does not formally recognize the Taliban administration, despite hosting their political office and maintaining diplomatic ties.
DIMDEX, held from January 19 to 22, 2026, hosts defense ministers and military leaders from around the globe. The presence of a senior Taliban military official at such a high-profile event signals the group’s efforts to establish military and political connections beyond the immediate region.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Doha has served as a primary diplomatic hub for international engagement with Afghanistan. This marks Fitrat’s second visit to Qatar, having previously traveled there in March 2024 (Hoot 1402).
Taliban Army Chief Visits Qatar for International Defense Exhibition
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