US Envoy Khalilzad Arrives In Kabul Ahead Of US-Taliban Peace Talks In Qatar - Statement

KABUL (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 09th June, 2019) US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday for consultations with the Afghan and political leaders to discuss progress in facilitating the peace process in the country, the US Embassy in Kabul said in a statement.

"Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul today for consultations with leaders of the National Unity Government, political leaders, civil society, and women to discuss progress in U.S. efforts to facilitate an inclusive peace process. His arrival in Kabul follows stops in Islamabad, Berlin, and Brussels," the statement reads.

The statement points out that the peace talks with the Taliban movement reached a critical phase.

"As peace talks reach a critical phase, engagement with more Afghans across the country on how to achieve a negotiated political settlement that brings a durable peace is of utmost importance. During his visit, Ambassador Khalilzad will engage Afghans from across society, including youth and students, female business owners and government officials, and religious leaders," the statement adds.

Khalilzad is expected to partake in the upcoming round of the US-Taliban peace talks, set to be held in Qatar later in June. The sides have been negotiating an agreement for US troops withdrawal and Taliban's guarantees that Afghan soil would not be used to harbor members of the al-Qaeda terror group (banned in Russia).