Saudi Arabia Hopes New Government in Afghanistan Will Contribute to Stability

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday at a ministerial meeting dedicated to discussing the Afghan crisis that his country hopes the formation of a caretaker government there will contribute to achieving stability and "rejection of violence and extremism." The foreign minister emphasized, according to the Saudi Press Agency, that "the Kingdom supports the Afghan people and the choices they make regarding the future of their country, free from external interference." He added that Riyadh hopes the establishment of a caretaker government will be a step in the right direction towards achieving security and stability, rejecting violence and extremism, and building a bright future that aligns with these aspirations. The Taliban has drawn Western discontent by appointing seasoned hardliners from the movement to prominent positions in the new government, including individuals for whom the United States has offered rewards for information leading to their capture. In Kabul, dozens of women took to the streets again on Wednesday to demand representation in the new government and the protection of their rights. Prince Faisal stated, "The Kingdom places the utmost importance on supporting the ways through which Afghanistan can overcome its current challenges."