UK officials meet with Taliban in Afghanistan to discuss terrorism and human rights

The Taliban took power of Afghanistan in a matter of weeks in August. Credit: PA

The UK has held talks with the Taliban, in an effort to stop Afghanistan becoming "an incubator for terrorism" and to stress the need for safe passage for people trying to leave.

Government officials travelled to the country and met with the foreign minister and deputy prime ministers, following the group's takeover back in August.

Sir Simon Gass, the Prime Minister’s High Representative for Afghan Transition, and Dr Martin Longden, Charge d’Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan, both spoke to the Taliban representatives.

A government spokesperson said: “Sir Simon and Dr Longden discussed how the UK could help Afghanistan to address the humanitarian crisis, the importance of preventing the country from becoming an incubator for terrorism, and the need for continued safe passage for those who want to leave the country.

The meeting marks the first time British officials have met with senior members of the Taliban, discusses ITV News Political Reporter Shehab Khan

“They also raised the treatment of minorities and the rights of women and girls.

“The government continues to do all it can to ensure safe passage for those who wish to leave and is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.”

The Taliban said the meeting "focused on reviving diplomatic relations" and the group "expects others to not work towards weakening our government.”

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A statement on Twitter, which appeared to be from Taliban foreign affairs spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said: “The meeting focused on detailed discussions about reviving diplomatic relations between both countries, assurance of security by IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) for all citizens entering legally, and humanitarian assistance by UK for the Afghans.”

He claimed the UK delegation had said Boris Johnson was “seeking to build relations with IEA while taking into account prevailing circumstances”.

The Taliban has been in control in Afghanistan since the fall of the western-backed government in August.