US envoy apprises FM Qureshi about details of US-Taliban talks

ISLAMABAD: US Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday relayed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi about the details of the US-Taliban talks.

Talking to Khalilzad who called on him in Islamabad, Shah Mahmood Qureshi has assured that Pakistan will continue to sincerely play the role of facilitator in the Afghan peace process.

The foreign minister noted that peace in Afghanistan was imperative for peace and stability in the entire region.

Also Read: Pakistan welcomes US, Taliban’s willingness to pursue political settlement of Afghan conflict

He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.

“Pakistan is doing what it could for peace in Afghanistan. We are playing the constructive role for the neighbouring country. Torkhem border has been opened for transit trade for 24 hours,” he said.

Zalmay Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s role for peace in Afghanistan.

On Nov 29, FM Mahmood Qureshi had said Pakistan had welcomed US President Donald Trump’s continued willingness to pursue political settlement in Afghanistan by resuming dialogue with Taliban.

He had said it was a positive development, which would help in establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as in the region.

The foreign minister had said that Pakistan would continue to facilitate Afghan peace and reconciliation process in close consultation with all the stakeholders.

Talking to Reuters News Agency, Taliban had expressed their readiness to restart peace talks with the United States.

A spokesman of Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid had said that talks will be resumed from the stage where it stopped.

Earlier, talking to newsmen during his brief visit to Afghanistan, President Donald Trump had said that Taliban wanted to make a deal and he believed they would agree to a ceasefire.

On Oct 3, Pakistan and Afghan Taliban had agreed on the need for earliest resumption of the Afghan peace process.