International conference in Moscow seeks path to end Afghan conflict

Russia, together with other countries including the United States, China and Pakistan, opened a meeting on Thursday with the aim of finding a peaceful solution to the long-running conflict in Afghanistan.

An official delegation from Kabul and the militant Taliban group were also expected to attend the conference in the Russian capital, Moscow.

Since last September, the Taliban have been holding peace negotiations with representatives of the Afghan government in Qatar.

However, the talks recently came to a standstill.

The conflict has been going on for more than 19 years.

Russia has organised Afghanistan conferences in the past attended by representatives of the Taliban and Afghan opposition politicians, but not representatives of the government.

This time, the aim is to build confidence, according to Moscow.

In April, Turkey plans to host a further meeting, with the goal of concluding a peace agreement.