Turkey holds first talks with the Taliban in Kabul

Erdogan says discussions under way as Turkey decides on a Taliban request to help run Kabul’s airport.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, adding Ankara was still assessing the armed group’s offer to assist in operating the international airport. The Turkish leader said discussions were held at a military facility at the Kabul airport where Turkey’s embassy is temporarily stationed. “We have held our first talks with the Taliban, which lasted three and a half hours,” Erdogan told reporters. “If necessary, we will have the opportunity to hold such talks again.”