US-Taliban agreement: Pakistan urges Afghan parties to 'seize historic opportunity'

Pakistan Friday said it was looking forward to the February 29 peace agreement signing between US and Taliban, urging Afghan parties to "seize this historic opportunity and work out a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement".

Read more: US-Taliban agreement to be signed on February 29: Pompeo

The Foreign Office in its statement said: "Pakistan has consistently supported direct negotiations between the US and Taliban. From the outset, Pakistan has facilitated this process and contributed to its progress."

"We believe the signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement will pave the way for the next step of intra-Afghan negotiations," the statement read.

The FO expressed its hope for a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region

"Pakistan reaffirms its support for a peaceful, stable, united, democratic, and prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and with its neighbours," the press release read.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced that the agreement between the country and Taliban will take place on February 29, 2020.

"Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward," read a statement from Pompeo after his visit to Saudi Arabia.

His statement mentioned that after the agreement, Intra-Afghanistan negotiations will attempt to bring about a "comprehensive and permanent ceasefire" and decide the future political roadmap for Afghanistan.

"Challenges remain, but the progress made in Doha provides hope and represents a real opportunity. The United States calls on all Afghans to seize this moment," the statement read.