US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has met with Taliban deputy leader Mullah Baradar in Qatar, the group said on Thursday.
Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for Taliban’s political office in Doha, said that they discussed quick release of prisoners, launch of intra-Afghan talks and full implementation of their deal.
US State Department in a statement confirmed Khalilzad’s departure on May 5for travel to Doha, New Delhi, and Islamabad.
“In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to press for full implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement,” the statement said.
In New Delhi, he will meet with Indian officials to discuss the important role of India in a sustainable peace in Afghanistan and the region, according to the statement.
In Islamabad, he will meet with Pakistani officials and also discuss the Afghan peace process, the statement said.
“At each stop, he will urge support for an immediate reduction in violence, accelerated timeline for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, and cooperation among all sides in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan,” the statement said.
