Ashraf Ghani invites Taliban to join peace talks to 'save the country'

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday called on the Taliban to take part in peace talks to "save the country" while simultaneously calling for government-to-government talks with Pakistan "for peace".

Ghani was speaking at the 2nd Kabul Process Conference attended by representatives from more than 20 countries and international organisations.

Ghani said the Afghan government will provide facilities and security for those Taliban who join the peace process. "We will consider the Taliban's view in the peace talks," he said.

A resurgent Taliban has been blamed for much of the increased violence in Afghanistan since United States and Nato forces concluded combat missions in 2014. The attacks have underscored the weaknesses of Afghan security forces.

In a tweet last night about today's conference, Ghani had said: "I will present detailed peace offer to Taliban and Pakistan on behalf of the Afghan people. We wish to march toward a lasting peace in #Afghanistan and in the region!"

The development arrived less than 48 hours after the Taliban called for direct talks with the US to find a "peaceful solution" to the conflict in Afghanistan, in an apparent policy reversal after months of escalating attacks.