US special envoy seeks Pakistan's help for Afghan peace

Islamabad, Dec 4 (IANS) US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad arrived here on Tuesday for meetings with Pakistan's political and military leadership seeking their cooperation in bringing the Afghan Taliban to peace talks.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Khalilzad reiterated US President Donald Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's assistance for peace and stability in Afghanistan. 

According to Geo News, Qureshi assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement in war-torn Afghanistan.

Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in which officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides were present. "Peace and political settlement in Afghanistan were discussed," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal tweeted. 

The special envoy will travel to Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar during his 18-day tour till to December 20, Geo News reported.

According to a press release, Khalilzad will also meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government.

Khalilzad last visited the region in November, where he met with members of the Afghan civil society and other government officials.