The CIA director met with the co-founder of the Taliban movement

(CNN) – CIA Director William J. Burns met face to face The United States continues with Taliban leaders in Kabul on Monday, according to two U.S. officials Expels its citizens And outside the Afghan allies Afghanistan Before the end The deadline for his departure is August 31.

The Biden administration has been in constant contact with Taliban officials throughout the evacuation process in Afghanistan and Doha, Qatar.

But the secret meeting was first reported by the newspaper this Tuesday Washington Post, Burns and the Taliban’s co-founder and vice-president Abdul Ghani Bhardar represent the highest level of direct communication since the militant group took control of the capital, an informed US official told CNN.

The meeting also underscored the administration’s view that as the clock approaches August 31 for the withdrawal of troops from the country, they must clearly understand the Taliban’s position on various issues.

The U.S. official told CNN that the meeting came in the direction of President Biden, who reflects the view that Burns is the most experienced diplomat in the administration and the most trusted member of Biden’s team.

Another official called for an “exchange of ideas on what to do” before Aug. 31.

The CIA declined to comment to CNN on the meeting.

CNN has approached the White House for comment.

Some more background: Brother and then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were among the witnesses Signing a historic contract Between the United States and the Taliban last year began the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Former President Trump and Bharat spoke on the phone shortly after the agreement was signed.

Bardar, who heads the group’s political committee after the Taliban regained control of Kabul, returned to Afghanistan last week after leaving the country for 20 years.

–Betsy Klein and Michael Gallahan contributed to the report.