Qatar announced that it had facilitated the release of two UK citizens detained in Afghanistan. The detainees, Peter Reynolds and his wife, Barbie Reynolds, arrived in Doha Friday and will depart for London at a later date.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi expressed Qatar's appreciation for the fruitful co-operation shown by both the Afghan caretaker government and the United Kingdom.
HE Dr al-Khulaifi also noted Qatar's efforts, its continuous encouragement of direct dialogue and its firm belief in multilateral co-operation to enhance and preserve human dignity and protect human rights, stressing in this context that Qatar is always keen in its mediation to consolidate human values by protecting lives and guaranteeing rights.
Meanwhile, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudawi praised Qatar's efforts in the release of UK citizens.
Albudawi said in a statement that the efforts reflect Qatar's commitment to enhancing security and stability in the region and the world, as well as its ability to communicate with all sides of a conflict, through its wise policy of mediation and dialogue.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday hailed the "vital role" played by Qatar in winning the release of a British couple.
He welcomed the release of Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, saying: "This long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family."
"I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar," including His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, "in securing their freedom", Starmer added in a statement.
"We've been treated very well. We're looking forward to seeing our children," said Barbie.
On their arrival in Doha, the couple embraced by their daughter Sarah Entwistle and other family members, television images showed.
Entwistle told AFPTV she was "overwhelmed with gratitude and relief".
"This is a moment of immense joy for our family. We are deeply thankful to everyone who played a role in securing their release."
A Qatari diplomat said the British couple would receive medical checks in Doha before leaving for London on a commercial flight.
Sarah Entwistle (L) sits with her parents Barbie (C) and Peter Reynolds after landing at the airport in Doha on Friday. AFP
British citizens named Peter and Barbara Reynolds, who had been in custody in Afghanistan, sit with Qatari and British diplomats, on an aircraft, in the air, on Friday.
