ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday offered to host the first round of direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban groups in Islamabad, which are expected to take place by the first week of March.
Pakistan has graciously made the offer during the fourth meeting of Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China on the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Process held in Kabul.
The QCG member states invited all Taliban and other groups to participate through their authorized representatives in the first round of direct peace talks with the Afghan government.
In line with their quest for the lasting peace in Afghanistan, the QCG endorsed and expressed strong support for the upcoming direct talks between the Government of Afghanistan and authorized representatives of the Taliban and other groups.
The delegations of the member states were led by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and US Charge d’Affaires, David Lindwall, said a press release.
The QCG members welcomed the strong statement by Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Feb 15, regarding strong commitment of his government for peace and reconciliation with Taliban groups and Hezb-i-Islami of Hekmatyar.
President Ghani had also underlined the support of the Afghan nation for their national priority and called on the Taliban and other groups to join early direct talks with the Afghan Government.
The group also reviewed progress in the implementation of the roadmap for the Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.
The QCG also welcomed the decision by Afghanistan and Pakistan to constitute a bilateral joint working group to work with the honourable Ulema of Afghanistan and Pakistan, garnering their support for the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process and against the ongoing senseless violence.
The QCG agreed to continue joint endeavours as part of their shared commitments to advance the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The next QCG meeting will take place in Islamabad immediately after the first direct peace talks.
Pakistan offers to host first round of Afghan-Taliban talks
