US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday wrapped up his two-day visit to Islamabad where he met with Pakistani Prime Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Khalilzad said he briefed Pakistani officials on the Afghan peace process and that they discussed Pakistan’s role in support of the process and additional positive steps they can take.
“Peace will require reliable assurances from Afghanistan and Pakistan that neither side’s territory is used to threaten the other,” he said.
The US envoy said that such assurances on top of an intra-Afghan comprehensive peace agreement will allow increased regional economic integration, connectivity, and development.
“These are hopeful times and the two countries should be ready to seize emerging opportunities,” Khalilzad concluded.
On July 31, the US envoy wrapped up his “most productive” visit to Afghanistan where the US and Afghan governments agreed on next steps in the peace process.
Khalilzad said he will travel to Doha for next round of talks with the Taliban after a stop in Islamabad.
“In Doha, if the Taliban do their part, we will do ours, and conclude the agreement we have been working on,” Khalilzad said on July 31.
