00:00A British couple held in Afghanistan for more than seven months are finally on their way home.
00:05Their release on Friday comes after high-level negotiations between the UK and Taliban, mediated by Qatar.
00:11It's being hailed as a clear example of how diplomacy can ease tensions, even during times of conflict.
00:1880-year-old Peter Reynolds and his 76-year-old wife Barbie had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, running educational programs.
00:25The couple, who are Afghan citizens, chose to remain in the country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
00:33In February, they were detained on undisclosed charges.
00:36Actually, it's continuous efforts by my government to keep our policy in helping releasing hostages and our mediation and diplomacy.
00:48So we are very grateful for Afghanistan, UK, for their cooperation to conclude this case in this way that you have just presented.
01:00And it's a very good moment for us to show our appreciation and to make sure that this is the way that we should deal with problems and conflicts,
01:13and how to resolve it, be alone, with good manners, and also with peaceful solutions.
01:21Their daughter says the family is overwhelmed with gratitude and relief,
01:25thanking both the Qatari and British governments for their role in securing her parents' release.
01:30This experience has reminded us of the power of diplomacy, empathy, and international cooperation.
01:37We are forever grateful to the Qatari and British governments for standing with us during this difficult time.
01:45Thank you for giving us our family back.
01:48The release comes just days after Qatar hosted the Emergency Arab Islamic Summit.
01:53That was in direct response to the September 9th Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas leadership,
01:58who were gathered in the Qatari capital to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
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