ISLAMABAD: US’ special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the peace talks in Afghanistan, adding that “substantial progress had been made over the last month,” the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement released on Monday.
On Sunday, as part of his one-day visit to the country, Khalilzad held talks with top Pakistani leaders on Sunday. “Ambassador Khalilzad met Prime Minister Imran Khan, [Foreign Ministry’s] Additional Secretary Aftab Khokhar and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa,” excerpts from the statement read.
He highlighted the fact that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role played by Pakistan in advancing the peace process and discussed additional steps that Pakistan could take for the same.
According to the statement, the two sides also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in implementing and sustaining durable peace.
“Both countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers. The United States stands ready to assist,” the statement read.
Earlier on Sunday, during the meeting at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, additional secretary Aftab Khokhar told Khalilzad and his team that Pakistan would continue to play its role in the Afghan peace process, as per the initiative taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Last 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.
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
- Khalilzad encouraged Islamabad’s role in advancing the initiative
- Both nations will benefit from increased regional connectivity, he says
