Khalilzad Meets President Ghani, Abdullah Abdullah in Kabul

US Special envoy on Afghanistan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad separately met President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the high council for national reconciliation.

During the meeting, President Ghani and Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the expansion of cooperation and the continuation of political, diplomatic, security, defense, and economic relations.
Referring to the $ 3.3 billion in annual assistance to the Afghan security and defense forces, the US delegation reiterated the US government’s support to the security and defense forces, particularly the Air Force as well as the economic and human rights sectors, the presidential palace said in a statement.
To achieve the desired goal of an independent, united, neutral, democratic and peaceful Afghanistan, the US pushes to preserve and strengthen the achievements of the past two decades, the statement added.

In a separate meeting with Abdullah Abdullah, the US delegation reiterates its commitment to fighting terrorism, supporting security and defense forces, and providing economic assistance to Afghanistan.
The US Special Envoy on Afghanistan said his country strongly supports the peace process and is working to build a global and regional consensus in support of peace efforts, Sapidar Palace said in a statement after the meeting.

According to the statement, Khalilzad said it is time for the parties to reduce the violence and start serious and fruitful talks.
The United States supports and welcomes political consensus and unity among Afghan politicians and people, Khalilzad stressed, adding that political consensus and internal unity will give the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan a stronger position in peace efforts.