Afghan, US delegations hold comprehensive discussions on key issues

KABUL (Pajhwok): The acting government delegation headed by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and US delegation headed by Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West held in-depth discussion on key issues of mutual interest in Doha.

Acting government spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi on his Twitter handle wrote: “Senior IEA delegation led by Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held two-day meeting in Doha with the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West accompanied by high-level representatives from the White House, US Treasury, USAID & other departments.”

He added: “Attended by senior officials from Da Afghanistan Bank & Ministry of Finance, the meeting covered various political, economic & humanitarian issues.”

“Minister Muttaqi highlighted positive changes with the coming to power of the new government, calling the security situation in Afghanistan extraordinary & exemplary.”

“FM Muttaqi expressed gratitude to the US for announcing $55 million in humanitarian aid to earthquake victims, reiterating release of Afghan assets & lifting of sanctions.”

“FM Muttaqi said engagement with the new Afghan Islamic government should be cooperative & positive instead of pressure tactics to achieve progress. Hinting at the Doha agreement, FM Muttaqi said the new government remained committed to its pledge of not allowing anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan to harm neighboring & world countries, adding that Afghan borders were under control & secured.”

“Mr. West said they preferred engagement & sought a stable Afghanistan. He praised the delivery & transparent distribution of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, calling it positive progress. He also said they did not support any armed opposition in Afghanistan, calling such opposition detrimental to Afghanistan.”

“Moreover, the US Treasury Representative highlighted their talks on frozen Afghan assets with the US Justice Department & legal experts.”

“The meeting also focused on detailed & positive discussions on the prevention of narcotics, alternative livelihoods & treatment of addicts. To end, the parties expressed satisfaction with the meeting & agreed to continue such meetings.”

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