WASHINGTON: The United States said it will not join talks on Afghanistan announced for this Tuesday by Russia that will include two other key players, China and Pakistan.

The State Department blamed logistical issues but said it considered the Russian-led forum "constructive."

"We look forward to engaging in that forum going forward, but we're not in a position to take part this week," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Monday.

US, Taliban have ‘productive’ talks

Russian envoy Zamir Kabulov on Friday announced the four-nation talks in Moscow, saying they would aim to "work out a common position on the changing situation in Afghanistan." Russia, China and Pakistan have been among the most active nations in engaging the Taliban since the Islamists took over Afghanistan in August during the US pullout after 20 years of war.