Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan has asked a senior member of the Taliban for support in realizing a swift and safe exit of Japanese nationals from the country.

Ambassador Okada Takashi held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Taliban interim government, in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Wednesday. It was the first official meeting between the Japanese government and a senior member of the Islamist group.

In Doha, the Japanese government has set up a temporary office of its embassy in Afghanistan.

The talks lasted about half an hour.

Okada asked for cooperation to ensure that Japanese nationals in Afghanistan as well as Afghans who worked at the Japanese Embassy and in other roles will be safe in the country.

He asked that those wishing to leave the country be allowed to do so, promptly and safely.

Okada also sought safe passage of personnel who will deliver humanitarian aid from Japan.

He also asked that the interim government respect the rights of women and ethnic minorities and create an inclusive political framework that includes diverse ethnic and religious groups.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi expressed willingness to accede to Okada’s requests.