KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have underlined the need for an intra-Afghan dialogue on ending the ongoing war in the country.
On the first day of his visit to Kabul, the visiting US diplomat met Ghani and his team at the Presidential Palace here late on Sunday, both sides confirmed.
Khalilzad said they discussed building further international consensus for peace and regional requirements and implications for peace including recent positive movement in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
They conferred on opportunities peace would provide for regional connectivity and development, Khalilzad tweeted. “As Afghan peace process talks continue to progress, we agreed preparations for intra-Afghan negotiations now is essential.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Ghani’s office said Khalilzad briefed the president on his trips to Europe and future plans with regard to the peace process.
The discussions were mostly focused on intra-Afghan dialogue, according to the statement, which said the two sides welcomed Germany’s role in this regard.  “The two sides hoped that the intra-Afghan talks will begin as soon as possible.”
Also on Sunday, the US Embassy in Kabul said Khalilzad would hold consultations with leaders of the National Unity Government, political figures, civil society and women. (Pajhwok)