U.N. has reported that no country is ready to recognize the Taliban.

The returnees arrive in the midst of winter, Afghanistan's toughest period for hunger, and at a time when humanitarian funding.

The visit coincided with Taliban resistance to the appointment of a UN special envoy for Afghanistan, a key topic for.

Niklasson also mentioned his upcoming attendance at a meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, next week.

Abdul Kabir, the Taliban's deputy political chief, criticized those who do not consider the U.S. presence in Afghanistan as an.

The discussions also covered the recent special envoys' meeting in London and the forthcoming Doha meeting.

The Taliban-run Ministry of Interior reported that Niklasson expressed the EU's readiness to assist in drug control efforts.

Karzai's office, in a statement, highlighted the significance of the meeting for the country.

The individuals were returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, the reports detailed.