Syed Sadat Mansoor Naderi was officially introduced on Thursday as the State Minister for Peace Affairs.

Naderi said that the opportunity for peace must be used "properly and comprehensively."

The government has taken practical steps to achieve peace, and the Taliban must listen to the voice of the country's citizens, said Naderi.

“We hope that the other side [Taliban], as Afghans who are deeply saddened by the situation in the country and are aware of the continuing suffering of war and fratricide, will stand by their nation in the success of this process and understand their great and historic mission at this time,” said Naderi.

“We are more hopeful than ever about the negotiation team which is going to Qatar to start the negotiations with the other side and end the negotiation,” said Salam Rahimi, Ghani's special envoy for peace and state minister in peace affairs

Meanwhile, the president's national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib speaking at the event said talks are about to begin.

“Our negotiations are close to beginning, and if we are successful and are able to implement lasting peace and real peace in Afghanistan, fulfilling the aspirations of all Afghans, it could be a great success for all of us,” said Mohib.

The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is scheduled to visit Qatar tomorrow and talks between Afghans will begin.

Naderi, with more than 20 years of experience in economic and commercial activities, previously worked as minister of urban development and housing during the National Unity Government.