Khalilzad due in Kabul for talks on way forward

KABUL (Pajhwok): The US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation and his team will travel to Kabul, Doha and additional regional capitals.

Ambassador Zalmay would resume discussions on the way ahead with Afghan leaders and Taliban representatives, the State Department announced late on Sunday.

The visiting US diplomat will also meet representatives of regional countries whose interests are best served by the achievement of a just and durable political settlement and permanent ceasefire.

However, the State Department did not provide dates for Khalilzad’s trip, which was announced on the first anniversary of the US-Taliban peace pact.

On Sunday, the Afghan-born US envoy was in Germany. From there, he is likely to travel to Qatar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UAE and other regional countries in the coming days.

In Kabul, according to Ariana TV channel, the State Ministry for Peace Affairs voiced its optimism about Khalilzad’s new swing through the region.

Sayed Sadat Mansoor Nader, the ministry spokesman, said:  “We welcome the envoy’s trip. The US is a good strategic partner for Afghanistan and we hope this trip will be more effective in facilitating the peace process.”

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