US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to arrive in Islamabad today

ISLAMABAD: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday, said US State Department’s press release.

During his visit, the US envoy will meet Pakistan’s civil-military leadership and hold talks.

Khalilzad, accompanied by an interagency delegation, will travel to Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar during his 18-day tour, from Dec 2 to 20.

The press release stated: “Special Representative Khalilzad will be in communication with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government and other Afghans.”

The US special representative to Afghanistan will meet Afghan government officials and other parties to work on Afghan peace process.

Khalilzad last visited the region in November, where he met with members of the Afghan civil society and other government officials.

In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking Pakistan’s assistance in the Afghan peace process, it emerged today.
Trump writes letter to PM Imran, seeks assistance in Afghan peace process

Prime Minister Imran, in a meeting with TV anchors and reporters in the federal capital, informed that he received a letter from the US president earlier today. In the letter, Trump has asked Pakistan to play its role in Afghan peace talks which are aimed at catalysing an end to the 17-year invasion of Afghanistan by US troops.

Trump has also sought Pakistan’s assistance in bringing the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table, Prime Minister Imran disclosed.