KABUL (SW) – U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday held meetings with military and civilian leadership in Pakistan on peace.
According to a press release from the foreign office, Khalilzad — who arrived in Pakistan today from Qatar — met with Qureshi at the Foreign Office in Islamabad. During their exchange, the US envoy praised Pakistan's efforts for lasting peace in Afghanistan while briefing the foreign minister about the most recent talks with the Taliban. "The finalisation of a peace treaty between the Taliban and the US will pave the way for inter-Afghan dialogue, which would not only benefit Afghanistan but the whole region," Qureshi was quoted as saying.
In a separate meeting with Gen Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Khalilzad discussed "matters of mutual interest including overall regional security situation and ongoing Afghanistan Reconciliation Process", a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations said.
According to the statement, the US envoy "thanked Pakistan for facilitating the process towards the mutual objective of peace in the region".
Earlier this week, Khalilzad briefed NATO Allies about ongoing talks with the Taliban. In a video statement, Nicholas Kay, NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan, said he also attended this meeting with the Resolute Support Mission commander, Gen. Scot Miller and U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad in Brussels.
“Ambassador Khalilzad updated NATO Allies on his efforts to reach a peace deal with the Taliban, and the NATO Allies repeated again their support for his efforts, and also their continuing support for the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan”, he said.
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