WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States and Taliban held “productive conversations” over Afghanistan’s humanitarian aid issue during their weekend meetings in Qatar, State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated on Tuesday. He described the discussions as being “largely positive”.

Two days of talks between Taliban officials and U.S. representatives, including members from the intelligence and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), saw official discussions on humanitarian access.

Price stated that the discussions were focused on security and terrorist concerns and safe passage for Afghan allies and foreign nationals to the United States.

Washington repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s new rulers, to respect human rights including those of girls and women, to gain international legitimacy.

Price stated that “the delegation made it clear as always, that the Taliban would ultimately be judged on their actions and not just its words.”

Price stated that on Tuesday there was a second meeting between Taliban representatives and officials from both the European Union, as well as U.S. officials.

Washington says that it has stopped providing bilateral aid to Afghanistan since August when the Taliban took control. However, Washington maintains that non-governmental organizations continue to provide assistance. To ease the humanitarian crisis, there are calls to release US government reserves to support the Taliban-led government.