British officials have held talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan to prevent the country from becoming an incubator of terrorism, AP reports.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said Sir Simon Gass, the Prime Minister’s High Representative for Afghan Transition, and Charge d’Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha Dr Martin Longden visited the country and met with senior Taliban members.

“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," the spokesman noted.

British officials met, inter alia, with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund and Abdul-Salam Hanafi.

The Taliban spokesman for foreign affairs tweeted, “The meeting focused on detailed discussions about reviving diplomatic relations between both countries, assurance of security by IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) for all citizens entering legally, and humanitarian assistance by UK for the Afghans.”