PESHAWAR: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad held an introductory meeting with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, confirmed Sohail Shaheen, the group’s spokesman in Doha, while talking to Arab News on Monday.

Shaheen said the meeting took place “in a promising environment,” adding: “Mullah Baradar Akhund introduced the members of the Taliban negotiating team to the American team. He then underscored the importance of the talks, the ability of his team, and discussed the future strategy.”

Khalilzad also tweeted about the congregation on Monday, saying it was the first time he had met Mullah Baradar and his team at a working lunch. He also indicated that the two sides were now prepared for the peace talks. 

The US envoy had also tweeted about the significance of his meeting with a “more authoritative Taliban delegation” on his arrival to Doha. He had also appreciated Qatar for hosting the meeting and Pakistan for facilitating the travel of the Taliban leaders.

Mullah Baradar, Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, Mullah Abdul Lateef Mansoor and Maulvi Matiul Haq travelled to Doha on a chartered plane last Sunday after Pakistan made arrangements for their journey.

The US team for Monday’s meeting consisted of about 25 members, including officials of the State Department, Pentagon, Department of Defense, and some Congressmen.

The Taliban side was short of one man since Anas Haqqani, one of the 14 members of the negotiating team, remained in Afghan captivity. 

The Taliban spokesman further said the two sides would resume regular talks from Tuesday, as two working groups, created during previous rounds of talks, would begin their interaction.

The focus of their conversation would be the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan and guarantees that the war-torn state would not be used by anyone to launch terrorist attacks against any other country.

Asked who would lead the Taliban in the future talks, Shaheen said Mullah Baradar had appointed Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai for that purpose. “Being the head of the political commission, however, Mullah Baradar can join the meetings whenever he wishes,” he added. 

Earlier, Shaheen also said in a video message posted on a website that the two sides could reach an agreement at the end of the meeting.

Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also issued a statement about the “first day of the fifth sitting.” Apart from highlighting the significance of Monday’s meeting, the statement said the talks would take place under Stanekzai’s leadership and, whenever needed, the team would consult and seek guidance from Mullah Baradar.