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Pakistan to support Afghan-led peace process, says PM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, June 26, IRNA -- Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has told the visiting US special envoy that his government is fully committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, the PM office said.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador James Dobbins met the PM after he arrived on a two-day visit to Islamabad as part of his peace initiative.

Earlier the US envoy visited Afghanistan and Qatar and discussed the Afghan peace process with special focus on the Taliban office in Doha.

Ambassador Dobbins briefed the premier on developments relating to bilateral relations as well as efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, a statement issued by the PM office said.

In this connection, he elaborated on some recent developments, including the opening of the Taliban office in Doha, developments within Afghanistan, and the overall situation in the region, it said.

Noting that the Afghan situation had reached a crucial phase as the US proceeds with its drawdown, the PM stressed the need for Pakistan and the United States to remain closely engaged.

Ahead of Dobbins visit, the US had appreciated Pakistan's support for reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

The State Department’s spokesman‚ Patrick Ventrell talking to newsmen in Washington said the US special representative would discuss bilateral cooperation with Pakistani leadership in Islamabad.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman said last week that Islamabad had facilitated the Qatar peace process. However, he had not shared more information with the media.

The US envoy arrived in Islamabad from Kabul where he met President Hamid Karzai and discussed issues relating to the Taliban Qatar office.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a phone contact with Afghan President on bilateral relations and regional situation, state media reported.

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