ISLAMABAD: US’ special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the peace talks in Afghanistan, adding that “substantial progress had been made over the last month,” the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement released on Monday.
On Sunday, as part of his one-day visit to the country, Khalilzad held talks with top Pakistani leaders on Sunday. “Ambassador Khalilzad met Prime Minister Imran Khan, [Foreign Ministry’s] Additional Secretary Aftab Khokhar and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa,” excerpts from the statement read.
He highlighted the fact that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role played by Pakistan in advancing the peace process and discussed additional steps that Pakistan could take for the same.
According to the statement, the two sides also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in implementing and sustaining durable peace.
“Both countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers. The United States stands ready to assist,” the statement read.
Earlier on Sunday, during the meeting at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, additional secretary Aftab Khokhar told Khalilzad and his team that Pakistan would continue to play its role in the Afghan peace process, as per the initiative taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Last Friday, PM Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the meeting by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, wherein they discussed solutions for a negotiated settlement to the 17-year-old Afghan war.
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
- Khalilzad encouraged Islamabad’s role in advancing the initiative
- Both nations will benefit from increased regional connectivity, he says
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
