US Afghanistan envoy heads to Turkey and region to push talks to end conflict
“He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace”
FILE PHOTO: U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad attends a news briefing following the Afghan peace conference in Moscow, Russia March 18, 2021. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
The US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has departed for Turkey and the region, the US State Department said on Saturday, in a push to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict in the country.
The State Department said in a statement that Khalilzad began the trip on Thursday.
"He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace," the State Department said, referring to the Afghan government and the Taliban.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
