Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation embarks on a six-nation tour

Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Sunday embarked on his six-nation visit to facilitate a peace process that protects the national security interests of the United States and brings all parties in Afghanistan together into an intra-Afghan dialogue.

In a press statement, the US Department of State on Sunday (local time) said, "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will lead an interagency delegation to Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from February 10 - 28."

"This trip a part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that protects U.S. national security interests and brings all Afghan parties together in an intra-Afghan dialogue through which they can determine a path for their country's future. He will meet with our allies and partners to discuss mutual efforts to advance that goal and will consult with the Afghan government throughout the trip," the statement read.

On February 2, Khalilzad had attended an International Contact Group meeting in London, which included officials from over 50 countries, along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's Special Representative on Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace Umer Daudzai, to announce support to the Afghan peace process.

A statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan read, "In this meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman noted with gratitude and appreciation, the support and cooperation of the international community provided to Afghanistan in various spheres over the last seventeen years. He provided information on the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned Peace Process, the upcoming third meeting of the Kabul Process, upcoming Presidential elections, and emphasized the importance of protection of Afghanistan's seventeen years achievements in the context of the peace talks."

"At the end of the meeting, the international community reiterated its commitment to support Afghanistan and help fight terrorism in the region," the ministry added.