Qureshi assures Pakistan’s support for Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – US Special Representative on Peace and Reconciliation in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. During the meeting, the US envoy briefed FM Qureshi on his recent engagements in the region for Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The minister assured Amb Khalizad of Pakistan’s support for the peace process. The minister assured the special US representative that Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region. He said establishing peace in Afghanistan is a common responsibility of all the stakeholders.

US values Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace talks

Zalmay Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between the US and Afghan Taliban. Zalmay Khalilzad thanked FM Qureshi for facilitating the direct talks between the United States and the Taliban. He said the US leadership values Pakistan's endeavors for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. “Washington valued Islamabad from the Afghan peace perspective,” he added. Regional security issues and the Afghan reconciliation process were discussed during the meeting. “He briefed FM Qureshi on his recent engagements in the region for Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The FM assured Amb Khalizad of Pakistan’s support for the peace process,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal in a tweet.

US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad called on FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi at MoFA. He briefed FM Qureshi on his recent engagements in the region for Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The FM assured Amb Khalizad of Pakistan's support for the peace process.#Pakforpeace pic.twitter.com/EBugL5lhEG

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2019

Meanwhile, a US-delegation comprising the representatives of American State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting. A day earlier, the US delegation headed by Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, Commander Resolute Support Mission General Austin Scott Miller met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa at the GHQ. The regional security environment and Afghan peace and reconciliation process discussed during the meeting. The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s resolve towards Afghan peace process for bringing peace and stability in the region. On the occasion, the COAS reiterated that peace in Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and assured continued efforts for enduring peace and stability in the region, the ISPR said.