Kabul – The US and the Taliban representatives have met for the first time since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
On Saturday, October 9, the negotiations started, and it’s supposed to be continued today (Tuesday).
The meeting is to open a new page in the relationship of Afghanistan and the US, the Taliban’s delegations told in Qatar.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the caretaker Foreign Minister has stated that the focus of the Taliban’s representatives has been towards humanitarian aid, and to implement Doha’s agreements.
Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, is the head of the Taliban delegations who has announced the agreements in the meeting.
According to him, the Taliban’s delegations have demanded from the US to repeal the freeze on the Central Bank of Afghanistan in order to pay the salaries of government employees and to provide services for the public. Muttaqi says that the US has suggested that its country cooperates in providing Corona vaccines for Afghans.
Also, the Taliban’s delegations will visit the representatives of the European Union.
The caretaker Foreign Minister of the Taliban has said that they are looking to solve their financial challenges through negotiation, and they will demand from them to collaborate with a country that needs international aid.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy who was leading the long negotiations and Doha’s agreements, is not in the meeting.
Tom West, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and Sarah Charles, USAID Senior Humanitarian Officer are present on behalf of the US delegation in the meeting with the Taliban, reported by Reuters.
According to the report, the negotiation with the Taliban is regarding vital issues including ensuring the evacuation of US citizens and other citizens to the foreign countries from Afghanistan.
Negotiation with the Taliban doesn’t mean recognizing them, the US officials said.
