BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland - The first session of US-Iran talks was conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere, with encouraging progress made, including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks, according to a joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan on Monday.

"Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” says joint statement by mediators.

Technical and specialised groups have been formed to negotiate the final agreement’s clauses, says Qatari foreign ministry spokesman.

Qatar is serving as a mediator alongside Pakistan

By JAN YUMUL in Hong Kong, CUI HAIPEI in Dubai, UAE, and ZHAO JIA in Beijing |