Taliban holds talks with UK

KABUL: Afghanistan’s Taliban leaders have met UK officials for the first time since taking power, a move the group hopes will pave the way for the country to refill cash-starved coffers as it teeters on the brink of economic collapse.

The Taliban’s meeting with British diplomats in the capital Kabul came a day after they met with an Iranian delegation. The Taliban met Sir Simon Gass, the British Prime Minister’s representative for Afghan transition, and Martin Longden, the charge d’affaires of the UK mission to Afghanistan in Doha.

The meeting marked Britain’s first diplomatic visit to the country since the Taliban seized Kabul on August 15, and took control of Afghanistan following the exit of Allied Forces. After the meeting, Longden tweeted that ‘‘substantial discussions’’ were held with the Taliban leadership covering a wide range of topics, including the humanitarian crisis, terrorism, the importance for safe passage for UK and Afghan nationals, and women and girls’ rights.