WASHINGTON: The United States has praised Pakistan for facilitating the meeting between Afghan officials and Taliban representatives.

In a statement, the White House spokesman Josh Earnest said this is an important step in advancing prospects for durable peace in Afghanistan.

Earlier, a Foreign Office statement issued in Islamabad said Afghan officials and Taliban representatives have held peace talks in Murree with both sides agreeing to meet again after Ramadan.

Representatives of China and the United States were also present during the meeting.

The participants exchanged views on ways to bring peace and reconciliation to Afghanistan.

Both sides expressed their collective desire to bring peace to Afghanistan and the region. They recognized the need for confidence-building measures to engender trust among all stakeholders