Iran hosts Taliban delegation to discuss Afghan peace: ministry

TEHRAN, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it hosted a delegation from the Taliban group to discuss peace process in Afghanistan.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met on Sunday with the Afghan Taliban representatives in the capital Tehran.

The Afghan government had been informed about this meeting, Qasemi said at his weekly press conference.

Iran has long borders with Afghanistan and peace in the neighboring country is important for the region, he added.

On Wednesday, Iran confirmed its talks with the Taliban group to help relieve insecurity in Afghanistan.