ISLAMABAD: US’ special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, in order to seek cooperation from Pakistan on expediting the peace talks with the Taliban, a statement released by the Foreign Office said.
Khalilzad, along with his team members, held delegation-level talks with additional secretary Aftab Khokhar and other officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Sunday.
“Both sides discussed bilateral relations, peace and security situation in the region, exchange of views on mutual interest including Afghan peace process,” excerpts from the statement read.
Khokhar, for his part, informed the delegation that Pakistan would continue to play its role in the Afghan peace process, as per the initiative taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“Pakistan counselled all parties to move toward the political solution... in Afghanistan,” the statement said, even as Khalilzad reiterated that “Pakistan’s role is crucial for the lasting peace in the region.”
Khalilzad has held several rounds of talks with Taliban representatives since October last year. However, despite positive signs, they haven’t reached a consensus on the matter.
On Friday, PM Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the meeting by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, wherein they discussed solutions for a negotiated settlement to the 17-year-old Afghan war.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” the FO said on Saturday, adding that “[PM Khan] also underlined Pakistan’s firm support for an Afghan-led and Afghan owned peace process for political solution in Afghanistan.”
US special envoy arrives in Pakistan to take Afghan peace talks forward
US special envoy arrives in Pakistan to take Afghan peace talks forward
- Islamabad’s role is crucial for everlasting peace in the region, Khalilzad says
- Visit follows a meeting between PM Khan and President Ghani on Friday
