KABUL - Pakistan on Friday assured the United States that Islamabad would keep up efforts to facilitate the Afghanistan peace process.
The assurance came from Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who met the visiting US special envoy on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who is on a two-week-long tour of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and China.
Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for talks with top civilian and military leadership. The envoy is accompanied by a US interagency delegation representing the Departments of Defence and State, and the National Security Council.
Both sides, during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, discussed progress made in the peace process so far. Qureshi told Khalilzad that Pakistan's efforts to bring peace and stability to the region would remain ongoing.
The foreign minister said that establishing peace in Afghanistan was the responsibility of all stakeholders.
Khalilzad thanked Qureshi for facilitating direct talks between the US government and the Afghan Taliban. He added that that American leadership values Pakistan's endeavours for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Khalilzad met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa upon arrival in Islamabad on Thursday.
Khalilzad and General Austin Scott Miller, Commander Resolute Support Mission met General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Pakistani army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Regional security environment and Afghan peace and reconciliation process was discussed during the meeting, according to the army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards peace process and besides the Afghan peace process, border management was also discussed.
General Bajwa reiterated that peace in Afghanistan was important for Pakistan and assured continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region.
Lisa Curtis, Deputy Assistant to US President and senior director for South and Central Asia and US charge d’affaires to Pakistan were also present. (Pajhwok)