U.S., Afghanistan exchange prisoners: Kabul

KABUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government and the United States have exchanged prisoners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Afghan caretaker government said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by the ministry, "Following extensive and productive discussions between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States, an Afghan detainee, Khan Mohammad, has been released from custody and was sent to the country in exchange for American citizens."

The statement said Mohammad was apprehended nearly two decades ago in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, where he was serving his life sentence received from U.S. courts in California.

The government views this exchange as a positive illustration of addressing challenges through dialogue and expresses deep appreciation to the friendly nation of Qatar for its significant contribution to this endeavor.