British diplomats have held direct talks with senior Taliban leaders in Kabul, the Foreign Office has confirmed. The high-level meeting, the first since the UK withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in August, was conducted by Sir Simon Gass, the prime minister's high representative for Afghan transition, and Martin Longden, the chargé d'affaires of the UK mission in Qatar.
The UK delegation met with Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Deputy Prime Ministers Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund and Mawlawi Abdul-Salam Hanafi. Discussions focused on the humanitarian crisis, the prevention of terrorism, and safe passage for those wishing to leave Afghanistan. The officials also raised the rights of women and girls and the treatment of minorities.
A Foreign Office statement said the talks aimed to explore how the UK could help address the humanitarian situation and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe passage for those who want to leave. However, the BBC's diplomatic correspondent noted that the meeting does not equate to official recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan.
Following the talks, Martin Longden tweeted that while there are points of difference, it is right to engage pragmatically and find common ground in the interests of both the UK and Afghan peoples. Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously stated that recognising any new regime in Kabul prematurely or bilaterally would be a mistake, urging common conditions among like-minded nations.
The Taliban spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, described the meeting as a detailed discussion about reviving diplomatic relations, adding that both countries should begin a new chapter of constructive relations. The UK embassy staff are currently based in Qatar after being evacuated from Kabul as the Taliban advanced in August.
