Afghanistan’s top negotiator arrives in Pakistan to discuss peace process

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s top peace negotiator arrived in Islamabad on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and “seek Pakistan’s help” in facilitating the peace process, officials told Arab News.
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, who is chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation (AHCNR), is expected to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and lawmakers during his three-day visit to the country.
“This is an important visit. Pakistan can do a lot in facilitation of the peace talks. Pakistan helped the United States in the process, and the Taliban and the US signed the agreement. There are indications that Pakistan wants to help in the peace process,” Mohammad Umer Daudzai, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s Special Envoy for Pakistan told Arab News from Kabul on Monday.
Abdullah’s schedule on Monday includes a meeting with FM Qureshi, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar and a key-note address at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
“The visit will provide an opportunity for wide-ranging exchange of views on the Afghan peace process and strengthening of Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations and people-to-people interaction,” it added.
In a series of tweets on Monday, Abdullah said that the visit – his first since assuming office as the AHCNR chief – will “provide a unique opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on Afghanistan peace talks in Doha, & bilateral relations.”
“I hope this visit will open a new chapter of mutual cooperation at all levels, especially on achieving a lasting and dignified peace in AFG (Afghanistan),” he added.

Afghanistan’s top negotiator arrives in Pakistan to discuss peace process