UK officials travel to Afghanistan

News Desk: UK Prime Minister’s High Representative for Afghan Transition and the Chargé d'Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan held talks with the Taliban.

A government spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister’s High Representative for Afghan Transition, Sir Simon Gass, and Chargé d’Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha, Dr Martin Longden, travelled to Afghanistan today to hold talks with the Taliban.

They met senior members of the Taliban, including Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund and Mawlawi Abdul-Salam Hanafi.

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. 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.