US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Hezb-i-Islami leader Gulbadin Hekmatyar have discussed the peace process.
Khalilzad met Hekmatyar at his office late on Saturday. They discussed ways of ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, a statement from HIA said.
Wolesi Jirga elections and other issues also came up for discussion, the statement added. Khalilzad praised the HIA leader’s peace effort and urged greater cooperation.
Hekmatyar responded he was ready for all-out cooperation in order to end the ongoing conflict and promote intra-Afghan talks, according to the statement.
“We, like all Afghans, desire lasting peace in the interests of all citizens,” the former jihadi leader was quoted as saying. Hekmatyar stressed the need for transparent and inclusive parliamentary elections.
The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador John Bass, HIA political affairs director Dr. Bakhtar Amirzai, Eng. Mohammad Amin Karim, Dr. Faroq Wardak, Mohammad Hamayoon Jarir and Habib Rahman Hekmatyar.
During his trip to the region, Khalilzad met top officials in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He returned to Kabul on Saturday.
Earlier, Khalilzad presented a report on his trip to President Ashraf Ghani, promising the US would continue its efforts for the Afghan peace process in coordination with leaders of the Afghan government.
