The movement published pictures of the talks, showing its Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accompanied by Adam Boehler, the special envoy for hostage affairs of U.S. President Donald Trump, and another American envoy along with several officials. In its statement, the Taliban said that Boehler “confirmed that both sides will conduct a prisoner exchange,” without disclosing their numbers, identities, or the reasons for their detention.
The talks also followed sharp criticism from the Taliban of Trump’s new decision to ban Afghans from entering the United States. The statement added that “comprehensive discussions were held on ways to develop bilateral relations between the two countries, issues related to citizens, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan,” noting that the American delegation also expressed condolences for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late last month.
