Ghani, Khalilzad discuss next peace moves

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani and US special representative Zalmay Khalizad on Monday discussed next steps regarding the Afghan peace negotiations, a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

The statement said President Ashraf Ghani met with Khalilzad about the Afghan peace process in the palace today morning.

During the meeting, both sides talked about future steps with regard to the peace process and emphasized on acceleration of the drive, the statement added.

Khalilzad expressed satisfaction over national consensus and regional and international diplomacy on the Afghan peace process and assured of the US’s active role in ensuring peace in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad reached capital Kabul late on Sunday night. 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 would likely travel to Qatar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UAE and other regional countries in the coming days.

Mds/ma