Khalilzad reiterates Trump’s desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace, stability in Afghanistan

 

ISLAMABAD: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in the federal capital on Tuesday.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the US envoy reiterated US President Donald Trump’s desire to seek Pakistan’s cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The foreign minister assured the US side of Pakistan’s steadfast support for a negotiated settlement. 

"Pakistan will continue to cooperate with sincerity for political settlement in Afghanistan. Long-lasting peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's best interest," the foreign minister tweeted. 

Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in which officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides were present. “Peace and political settlement in Afghanistan discussed,” Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted. 

Khalilzad, accompanied by an interagency delegation, will travel to Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar during his 18-day tour, from Dec 2 to 20.

“Special Representative Khalilzad will be in communication with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government and other Afghans,” a US State Department press release stated. 

The US special representative will meet Afghan government officials and other parties to work on Afghan peace process.

Khalilzad last visited the region in November, where he met with members of the Afghan civil society and other government officials. 

In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking Pakistan’s assistance in the Afghan peace process, it emerged today.

Trump writes letter to PM Imran, seeks assistance in Afghan peace process

The Foreign Office said the US decision was welcomed as Pakistan had always advocated a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan

Prime Minister Imran, in a meeting with TV anchors and reporters in the federal capital, informed that he received a letter from the US president earlier today. In the letter, Trump has asked Pakistan to play its role in Afghan peace talks which are aimed at catalysing an end to the 17-year invasion of Afghanistan by US troops.

Trump has also sought Pakistan’s assistance in bringing the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table, Prime Minister Imran disclosed.