Doha to host US-Taliban talks

The topics of the meeting will be the economic downturn in Afghanistan, access to humanitarian aid and healthcare, and the fight against terrorists

A US delegation is scheduled to meet with Taliban representatives in the Qatari capital Doha this weekend, October 9-10. This was reported by Reuters.

The State Department told the publication that the US delegation will include Deputy Special Representative Tom West and Sarah Charles, a senior official with the humanitarian organisation USAID (US Agency for International Development).

At the same time, members of the Taliban’s appointed cabinet are expected to be present on the Taliban side.

The economic decline in Afghanistan, improving access to humanitarian aid and healthcare as well as combating terrorist groups are slated to be the main topics of the talks.

At the same time, the interlocutor emphasised that the meeting would not be about recognising the Taliban as the government in Afghanistan.

“This meeting is not about recognition or giving legitimacy. We remain convinced that any legitimacy must be earned by the Taliban’s own actions. They need to establish a sustainable track record”, –  the source said.