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'Pakistan assures US officials its support to accelerate Afghan peace talks'
US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, on Tuesday held discussions with various government and military officials, including Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, regarding the Afghan peace talks, according to the US Mission in Pakistan.
Khalilzad, during the meetings, "requested and received" Islamabad's support "to accelerate the intra-Afghan peace dialogue and negotiations", according to the US Mission's statement.
The special envoy, who was on a two-day visit of Pakistan, also met Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and appreciated "Prime Minister Khan’s recent remarks in support of the peace process and a broader vision for stability and prosperity in the region".
Khalilzad was assured of Pakistan's support necessary for a comprehensive settlement in the region, an essential part of which is "the need to accelerate intra-Afghan peace talks as well as a reduction in violence", the statement added.
Ambassador Khalilzad reiterated that "an end to the war will bring long overdue peace and stability for Afghans and an independent Afghanistan that precludes it from being used by terrorists to attack the United States or any other country".
He also underscored the importance of peace with regard to "facilitating regional economic integration", adding that "such integration contributes to advancing PM Khan's vision for a development-centric transformation of Pakistan."
Ambassador Wells also met leading government representatives "to discuss regional security, including joint efforts to advance the Afghan peace process", according to a separate statement issued by the US Mission in Pakistan.
She stressed the importance of "all actors in the region taking steps to advance security, stability, and cooperation in South Asia".
Opportunities to strengthen economic ties, as well as growth in other areas in the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, were also discussed during the ambassador's meetings with the officials.
"Ambassador Wells also met think tank representatives and political leaders from various political parties," the US mission statement said, adding that she "highlighted the United States’ commitment to work collaboratively to advance the shared goals of the American and Pakistani people".
Comments (12) Closed
A lot of effort is being made to bring about peace and stability in the region. These efforts must be applauded and supported moving forward. All is not gloom and doom...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
Take some assurance from them too that they will destroy TTP safe heavens in Afghanistan.
Pakistan always plays a vital role in Asia but some countries portray a bad image of Pakistan as we all know which country is involved. Afghan peace is compulsory and Pakistan is with Afghanbrother at all the time.
It is a demonstrated fact that, after a prolonged war, the devastated areas of war get a very rapid development. Examples are Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey Vietnam, etc. Development is long waiting for Afghanistan to stop war and enter rapid development phase. Warlords to note.
Foreign secretary looks sleepy and tired and leaning towards one side of the sofa
Enough with US, they are our enemies and stab us on every occasion.
Love seeing these meetings with same level officials, not the PM sitting in meetings with ambassadors. Very proud of the government giving everybody respect they deserve. Our secretarial staff is competent enough to be acknowledged. Very proud of every individual and have great respect for all.
The only obstacle in the Afghanistan peace process is the USA's deliberately muddled position to continue the mess in the region
The bitter truth is that U.S is begging Pakistan to help them "get out" of Afghanistan.
Taliban and Ghani should compromise. Have an interim Government for 6 months. Hold impartial and fair election under UN observation.
Then form the Government. Let people decide what kind of constitution Afghan majority want and NOT Talibans.
Caution. The US may be playing a game.
Once peace is restored in Afghanistan, we must downgrade our diplomatic link to US or better still cut all ties just like Iran did; they are the most untrustworthy and dishonorable people on earth, we cannot allow them to drag us into any more wars. They have always taken India's side anyway let them go to India so we can be rid of them.