Taliban delegates meet with EU and US diplomats in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

At a press conference in Sochi, Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is in contact with the Taliban and encourages them to fulfill their commitments, including forming an inclusive government.

"Russia has already stated its position on the Taliban, that Russia is in contact with them, and encourages them to carry out the statements they made when they came to power, including ensuring the inclusiveness of the government, not only ethnicly but also politically so that the whole spectrum of political beliefs of society is reflected in the composition of the government. Official recognition has not been discussed, and this has been publicly stated," he said.

The same day, the Taliban said they are upbeat about the progress made in negotiations with former US envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, and hope to continue cooperation with Thomas West, the new envoy.