US Afghanistan envoy heads to Turkey and region to push talks to end conflict
Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Turkey to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict
The US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad during an interview. PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON:
The US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has departed for Turkey and the region, the US State Department said on Saturday, in a push to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict in the country.
The State Department said in a statement that Khalilzad began the trip on Thursday.
“He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace,” the State Department said, referring to the Afghan government and the Taliban.