A U.S. official says the country will prioritise “holding the Taliban to its commitment not to allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to threaten the security of the United States or its allies”

Senior Taliban representatives have met with a delegation from the U.S. stating that the two-day discussion has been “positive”.

The U.S. state department says the two sides reviewed security and terrorism concerns, the integration of women in Afghan society, humanitarian assistance, as well as safe travel for U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals and Afghans.

They say the talk was “candid and professional”, emphasising that the Taliban will be judged based on their actions, not on their words.

The in-person meeting in Doha marked the first between the two groups since the Taliban takeover on August 15.

Another meeting between the Afghanistan leaders and European Union representatives is also commencing shortly.

The Taliban hope these talks will increase recognition of the Afghan government internationally.