Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, has spoken with Qatari Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani about recent regional developments and hosting peace talks to end the war in Afghanistan, US Department of State said in a statement on Wednesday.
“US-Qatar bilateral relations, and Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region,” were topics discussed, the statement said, adding that Secretary Pompeo and Minister Al-Thani also spoke about the importance of Gulf unity as a critical element to regional stability.”
“The secretary thanked the foreign minister for Qatar’s partnership and cooperation on a range of issues, including its support in facilitating, mediating, and hosting peace talks to end the war in Afghanistan,” it said.
On Wednesday the US peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, in a tweet said that the Afghan leaders should ensure that the new government is inclusive.
“As the electoral process has concluded, President Ghani, as the declared winner, and other leaders should ensure that the new government is inclusive and reflects the aspirations of all Afghans,” Khalilzad tweeted.
Khalilzad also mentioned the Afghan Foreign Ministry’s postponement of this week’s planned presidential inauguration ceremony, adding: “I welcome President Ghani’s decision to postpone the event until March 9.”
“This will allow time for necessary consultations so that the best interests of Afghanistan and its people are reflected and preserved by the new government,” he added.
