US envoy Khalilzad discusses ongoing Afghan peace process with Gen Qamar

General Qamar reiterates that peace in Afghanistan is important for Pakistan

US diplomat and the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation at the Department of State Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday discussed the ongoing peace process of the war-torn country with army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The development comes two days after Pakistan had arranged crucial peace talks between the United States and Afghan Taliban in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – in a latest push to end the 17-year-long conflict in Afghanistan.

Representatives from Pakistan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia also attended the talks.

H.E Mr Zalmay Khalilzad called on COAS. Regional security and Afg peace process discussed. Visiting dignitary appreciated Pak’s efforts for Afg peace process. COAS reiterated that peace in Afg is imp for Pak and assured cont efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region. pic.twitter.com/GlMWpfm1cJ

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 19, 2018

Khalilzad, who called on the chief of army staff (COAS) at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi, also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for Afghan peace process.

General Qamar reiterated that peace in Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and assured continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region.

After attending the meetings in Abu Dhabi, Khalilzad took to the Twitter on Wednesday terming the high-level huddle “productive towards ending the Afghan conflict”.

He also praised the UAE government for hosting the peace talks.

Had productive mtgs in UAE w Afghan & intl partners to promote intra-Afghan dialogue towards ending the conflict in #Afghanistan. Grateful to UAE for hosting talks & their commitment to founder’s legacy as Year of Zayed ends & Year of Tolerance begins: https://t.co/7lNaAeErqh

— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) December 19, 2018

In another tweet, the special US diplomat said that he updated the leadership in Pakistan about the Abu Dhabi meetings.

Just met w #Pakistan leaders to update them on the state of play following our meetings in UAE. Looking forward to meeting Afghan leaders in Kabul, #Afghanistan tonight.

— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) December 19, 2018

Earlier this month, the US envoy had also met Prime Minister Imran Khan and given US President Donald Trump’s message of seeking Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Afghan conflict.