WASHINGTON - US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad embarks on a 14-day visit to India, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan today (Wednesday), the State Department says.
Heading an inter-agency delegation, Khalilzad will meet senior government officials in each country to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement, according to a statement from the department.
“The US supports the desire of the Afghan people and the international community for a political settlement that ends the 40-year conflict and ensures Afghanistan never again serves as a platform for international terrorism.”
Khalilzad will meet Afghan officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan, empowering the people to chart a shared course for their nation’s future.
Khalilzad continues to coordinate his efforts with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah and other stakeholders to ensure an intra-Afghan peace process. The US says its goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict.
During his last trip in December, Khalilzad reiterated the only solution to the conflict was for all parties to sit together and reach an agreement on the political future of Afghanistan with mutual respect and acceptance.
This is Khalilzad's first trip to India after he was appointed as the special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation last year. He has since made multiple trips to the region. However, the diplomat has not visited India before. (Pajhwok)