"We have much more work to do in many other cases, but Mark’s release demonstrates our enduring commitment," Biden said in a statement. "Like our work to free Americans held in Burma, Haiti, Russia, Venezuela, and elsewhere, it is our duty to do all we can to bring our people home."
Biden added that he shared the news with Frerichs’ sister on Monday and his priority now was to ensure the US Navy veteran’s "healthy and safe return."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Frerichs’ release was "the result of intense engagement with the Taliban." He also thanked the United States' "partners in Qatar."
Earlier in the day, Afghan officials said the United States released a powerful Afghan drug lord after two decades of imprisonment at Guantanamo Bay detention camp in return for Frerichs.
*under UN sanctions over terrorist activities