MONITORING (SW) – The Taliban concluded two-day talks with the US in the Qatari capital as it seeks to garner diplomatic relations with the world.
The foreign ministry in Kabul said in a statement that the talks were candid and are considered as ‘a good opportunity of understanding’.
“Political issues were discussed in detail during the meeting & full implementation of the Doha agreement was considered by IEA as the best way for resolving problems… detailed discussions were held during the meeting about all relevant issues”, said the statement.
It added that efforts should be exerted to restore diplomatic relations.
“The meeting in which talks were candid was considered a good opportunity of understanding & it was agreed that such meetings will continue to be held in the future if required”, read the statement.
The US State Department on the other hand said the talks were “candid and professional” in Qatar.
In a statement, spokesman Ned Price said the interagency delegation met with senior Taliban representatives in the capital Doha on Saturday and Sunday, their first meeting since the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August.
“The U.S. delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society,” said Price.
The two sides also discussed the US’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance directly to the Afghan people.
The delegation reiterated that “the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words,” the statement said
ENDS
