FIRST ON FOX: A hostage envoy held an in-person meeting with Taliban representatives at Kabul International Airport, sources in Qatar revealed. This marks the first known instance of the White House engaging with Afghanistan’s “interim government” since the terrorist organization’s takeover in 2021.

The meeting between Adam Boehler and officials from the Taliban’s foreign ministry focused on securing the release of George Glezmann on Thursday. According to Dr. Majed al-Ansari, advisor and spokesman to Qatar’s prime minister, other “beneficial” topics were also discussed.

“U.S. envoy Adam Boehler visited Doha for meetings before traveling to Kabul, where he met with the foreign minister and other Afghan officials at the airport,” al-Ansari stated. “This inaugural meeting opened the door for extensive dialogue on various issues, including detainees.”

“Other issues discussed included those that could greatly benefit the Afghan people and the United States, such as regional security for Afghanistan,” he added. “We helped facilitate this positive initial step.”

The White House has not responded to inquiries about whether Boehler’s meeting indicates a potential shift toward establishing ties with the Taliban government. Such a move has been avoided by Western nations following the ousting of the democratically elected government and subsequent human rights abuses, including the severe restriction of women’s rights.

Al-Ansari confirmed that Qatar has been assisting the U.S. in facilitating discussions between Washington and Kabul since 2022. However, this marks the first direct engagement between the White House and the Taliban government since the takeover over three years ago.

“We have consistently advocated for resolving global issues through dialogue and engagement, fostering trust and positive outcomes between parties,” al-Ansari stated, referencing Qatar’s role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Boehler, who was appointed as special envoy without Senate confirmation to avoid divestment requirements, is serving as a “special government employee focused on hostage negotiations,” according to White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly.

Glezmann’s release is the second major success for Boehler this month, following the return of Marc Fogel from Russia after his arrest in August 2021.

Boehler, a key negotiator of the Abraham Accords during the Trump administration, drew attention earlier this month for meeting with Hamas.

The hostage envoy met directly with Hamas officials to secure the release of the five American hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, including Edan Alexander, the only remaining American hostage believed to be alive.