ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on June 2 and held discussions with Pakistani leadership on developments in the Afghan peace process, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
Ambassador Khalilzad met Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and the Additional Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokher.
US Special Rep for Afghan Reconciliation, @US4AfghanPeace held delegation level meeting at the Foreign Office this afternoon. Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary Americas Ambassador Aftab Khokher.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/8gH8BZqsUb
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) June 2, 2019
Matters of mutual interest including the Afghan Peace process came under discussion.
In line with Prime Minister’s vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement.2/2
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) June 2, 2019
Zalmay Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the substantial progress made in talks over the last month and planned next steps. He noted that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role Pakistan has played to advance the peace process and discussed additional positive steps that Pakistan can take and the importance of recent efforts for improving US-Pakistan relations.
Ambassador Khalilzad and Pakistani officials also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in reaching, implementing, and sustaining a durable peace.
Both Countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers. The United States stands ready to assist.