Afghanistan’s president has urged neighbouring Pakistan to help peace talks with the Taliban, but hopes were low in both countries that much progress would be made.

The Taliban’s reclusive leader has said his group is willing to start peace negotiations – even as he urged more attacks on foreign troops.

Representatives from the Afghan government have met with a top-ranking Taliban member in his prison cell in Pakistan, an official said, suggesting a small step toward re-opening stalled peace talks with the insurgent group.

Afghan government representatives have met with a top-ranking Taliban member in his prison cell in Pakistan, an official said, suggesting a small step toward reopening stalled peace talks with the insurgent group.