Pakistan green lights Saudi inclusion in Afghan peace talks

Pakistan and the United States are trying to engage Saudi Arabia to join efforts to resolve the 17-year Afghan conflict through a negotiated peace and reconciliation process, according to officials.

During the recent visit of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad to Islamabad, Pakistani and American officials discussed possible peace talks with the Afghan Taliban and the inclusion of Riyadh to help the process.

“Saudi Arabia, has played a key role in the past in engagements with Taliban, and their involvement will yield positive results in resolving Afghan conflict,” a senior Pakistani diplomat told The National on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak with the media. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Mr Khalilzad in Riyadh on Wednesday to further discuss “efforts exerted in the Afghan arena” as Riyadh's role in any resolution to the conflict appears to grow.

Saudi Arabia marked the second stop for Mr Khalilzad after he met with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in Islamabad on Tuesday. - Read More

Pakistan green lights Saudi inclusion in Afghan peace talks