US President Donald Trump has made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. He delivered greetings to US troops and announced the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban.

Trump boarded Air Force One in the US state of Florida, where he had been on a Thanksgiving holiday. He arrived in Afghanistan on Thursday, making his first trip to the country since taking office.

Trump served turkey to US service members at an air force base outside the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The president then gave a speech, expressing gratitude to the US forces. Trump said, "The Taliban wants to make a deal and we're meeting with them."

The US suspended peace talks with the Taliban following a car bomb attack in Kabul in early September that left more than 10 people dead, including a US soldier. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

But hopes for the restart of peace talks rose last week, when the Taliban freed two hostages, including a US university professor, after the Afghan government released three of the group's senior members.

Analysts say Trump's visit is meant to expand voter support in the run-up to next year's presidential election.

nhk