KABUL: Afghanistan is recalling its ambassador to Qatar for consultations amid reports that the Taliban are planning to open an office in the tiny, gas-rich Gulf state.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the government has decided to recall Khalid Ahmad Zakaria from the Qatari capital of Doha for consultations.

The ministry did not give a reason for recalling Zakaria, but said Kabul values ties with Qatar and that diplomatic communications would continue.

An Indian newspaper quoted Indian diplomatic sources on Wednesday as saying that work was being finalised on a Taliban office.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry could not be immediately reached for comment.