US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday arrived in Qatar capital Doha, expressing readiness to reach an agreement with the Taliban.
Khalilzad has held seven rounds of talks with the Taliban since taking over the role in September last year. The talks have focused on counter-terrorism assurances, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan talks and ceasefire.
Previously, the US said that it was hoping to reach a preliminary peace deal with the Taliban fore September 1.
“We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement; a peace agreement that enables withdrawal,” Khalilzad said on Twitter. “Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based.”
“The Taliban are signaling they would like to conclude an agreement. We are ready for a good agreement,” the envoy said.
Khalilzad arrived in Doha after visiting Afghanistan and Pakistan where he met with leaders of the two countries.
Following his Kabul visit, the Afghan government announced formation of a 15-member team for talks with the Taliban, which Khalilzad said would occur after US-Taliban agreement.
In Islamabad, the diplomat outlined the positive momentum in the Afghan peace process and next steps as he met with leaders of the country including Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“Consolidating peace will require reliable assurances from Afghanistan and Pakistan that neither side’s territory is used to threaten the other’s,” a statement from US Embassy in Pakistan said.
“Such assurances on top of an intra-Afghan comprehensive peace agreement will allow for increased regional economic integration, connectivity, and development,” it added.
