Khalilzad on 7-country trip for Afghan peace process

In a renewed effort to restore peace in strife-torn Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad has embarked on a visit to seven-country, beginning March 25.

Khalilzad, who is the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, will conclude his visit on April 10.

Apart from Afghanistan, Khalilzad will be visiting the UK, Belgium, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Qatar.

The visits are a part of the "overall effort" to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations.

In Kabul, the Special Representative will hold consultations with the Afghan government (among others) about the status of US talks with the Taliban, according to the US Department of State.

He will also encourage efforts to form an inclusive negotiating team and discuss the next steps in intra-Afghan discussions and negotiations.

The Special Representative will meet other countries regarding the status of peace talks, to coordinate sustained commitment by the international community to peace and development in Afghanistan.