MojNews-An eighth round of talks on a pact that would allow The United States to end its longest war and withdraw its troops from Afghanistan ended on Monday and both sides would consult their leaders on the next steps, the Taliban said.

The talks, held in Qatar since late last year between the Taliban and U.S. officials, have brought hopes for an agreement allowing U.S. troops to leave in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used by militants as a base from which to plot attacks abroad.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid , said the latest talks, which a U.S. official said earlier involved technical details and the implementation mechanisms of a pact, ended early on Monday.

"It was long and useful, both sides decided to consult with their leaders/seniors for the next steps," Mujahid said in a statement.