Khalilzad talks to Uzbek officials on Afghan peace

KABUL and its positive effects on economic integration and development in the region.

Khalilzad, the US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, wrote on his Twitter page that he talked with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov in Washington, DC.

He said the meeting, which was also attended by Uzbek Ambassador to the United States and Canada Javlon Vakhabov, discussed the current status of Afghanistan Peace Negotiations and the importance of an immediate reduction in violence.

He said they also discussed the region’s role in helping the Afghan peace process and recommitted to the importance of regional economic connectivity, trade and development facilitated by peace in Afghanistan, benefiting Central Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Khalilzad said they looked forward to soon announcing a regional investment fund and a high-level meeting of representatives from the United States, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to discuss, connectivity, trade and development initiatives.

A day earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also headed a high-level delegation to Kabul and his talks with President Ashraf Ghani were focused on ensuring peace in Afghanistan, regional connectivity and cooperation.

Peace talks between Afghans (government and Taliban) began about two months ago in Doha, but war and violence continue in the country.

Reports yesterday indicated that the two sides have only agreed on a negotiating procedure after about two months.