Taliban confirm start of new round of talks with US

The Taliban confirm the start of a new round of talks with the US in Qatar next week, according to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Report informs referring to RIA Novosti.

The US Department of State earlier confirmed that next week it would begin consultations with the Taliban, including on countering terrorism. “I can confirm that next week Special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West will return to Doha for two weeks of meetings with Taliban leaders there,” State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a press briefing.

“They’ll discuss our vital national interests when it comes to Afghanistan, that includes counterterrorism, that includes a safe passage for US citizens and for Afghans to whom we have a special commitment and that includes humanitarian assistance and the economic situation of the country,” he added.