COAS, Zalmay Khalilzad discuss regional security
The meeting also discussed matters relating to regional security
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – United States Special Envoy for Afghan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters pertaining to Pak-Afghan border management came under discussion during the meeting.
The meeting also discussed matters relating to regional security, while the progress for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan was also reviewed.
On the occasion, the US Special Envoy for Afghan Reconciliation praised Pakistan s tireless efforts for peace in the region.
In October, Zalmay Khalilzad and the commander of Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan met with army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss the ongoing intra-Afghan peace talks.
During the meeting held at the army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, the two sides discussed "matters related to mutual interest, peace and stability in the region, Pak-Afghan Border management and current developments in Afghan peace process," according to a statement from the military.
Pakistan s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq had also attended the meeting.
"The visiting dignitaries appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistan for Afghan peace process," the statement said, offering no further details.
In December 2018, Pakistan had also arranged direct talks between Washington and the Taliban, paving the way for the Doha peace deal between the two sides.
Under the agreement, the US committed to withdraw all foreign forces from Afghanistan by July 2021.
Pakistan also facilitated the landmark first round of direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Islamabad in July 2015. The process broke down after the Taliban announced the death of their long-time leader Mullah Omar, triggering a bitter internal power struggle.
US President Donald Trump last year stepped up efforts to resume the long-stalled process, seeking Pakistan s help to end Washington s longest war in recent history.
