US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed on May 17 for travel to Doha and Kabul, the US Department of State said in a statement.

“In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to discuss implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement and press for steps necessary to commence intra-Afghan negotiations, including a significant reduction of violence. In Kabul, he will meet with senior government officials to explore steps the Afghan government needs to take to make intra-Afghan negotiations begin as soon as possible,” the statement added.

The statement went on to say that throughout his trip, Khalilzad will continue to reinforce the US view that “the best path to end the conflict is for all parties to sit together and negotiate an agreement on the political future of Afghanistan.”

Arezo News – Salimi