US lauds Pakistan's role in Afghan peace process
State Department deputy spokesperson says US will play its due role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi with Deputy Secretary of State Toney Blinken. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken has lauded Pakistan’s efforts in Afghan peace process.
During a meeting with the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi at the Department of State in Washington on Monday, Blinken appreciated Pakistan's role in the reconciliation process between the Afghan government and Taliban, said a Foreign Office statement on Tuesday.
Fatemi reiterated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s desire to have cordial relations with all countries, including its neighbours.
Blinken reassured Pakistan the US would play its role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan.
Read: Pakistan helped secure Taliban talks, but Afghan mistrust lingers
Fatemi also briefed the deputy secretary of state about the continuing offensive against militants, Operation Zarb-e-Azb in FATA. He thanked the US for its continued support to Pakistan for its political and economic stability and its efforts to bring regional peace and harmony.
The adviser also also apprised Blinken of the steps taken by the government over the last two years to implement its economic agenda, while highlighting the progress made in achieving economic stability and investor confidence.
Earlier, the US said the first round of negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and the High Peace Council was a “positive step” and appreciated the role Pakistan had played in it.
Read: US welcomes Afghan-Taliban talks: White House
“Pakistan has also been involved in these, and we certainly appreciate its efforts and involvement in this as well. It’s an important – obviously important partner,” said State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner during the daily press briefing in Washington on Wednesday.
“We certainly commend the government of Afghanistan for initiating this reconciliation process with the Taliban, and we strongly support the government’s efforts and prioritisation of peace and reconciliation.”
US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken has lauded Pakistan’s efforts in Afghan peace process.
During a meeting with the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi at the Department of State in Washington on Monday, Blinken appreciated Pakistan's role in the reconciliation process between the Afghan government and Taliban, said a Foreign Office statement on Tuesday.
Fatemi reiterated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s desire to have cordial relations with all countries, including its neighbours.
Blinken reassured Pakistan the US would play its role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan.
Read: Pakistan helped secure Taliban talks, but Afghan mistrust lingers
Fatemi also briefed the deputy secretary of state about the continuing offensive against militants, Operation Zarb-e-Azb in FATA. He thanked the US for its continued support to Pakistan for its political and economic stability and its efforts to bring regional peace and harmony.
The adviser also also apprised Blinken of the steps taken by the government over the last two years to implement its economic agenda, while highlighting the progress made in achieving economic stability and investor confidence.
Earlier, the US said the first round of negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and the High Peace Council was a “positive step” and appreciated the role Pakistan had played in it.
Read: US welcomes Afghan-Taliban talks: White House
“Pakistan has also been involved in these, and we certainly appreciate its efforts and involvement in this as well. It’s an important – obviously important partner,” said State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner during the daily press briefing in Washington on Wednesday.
“We certainly commend the government of Afghanistan for initiating this reconciliation process with the Taliban, and we strongly support the government’s efforts and prioritisation of peace and reconciliation.”