Statement on July 29, 2020 Visit to Afghanistan by Ambassador Khalilzad

(KABUL, Afghanistan) – U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad visited Kabul on July 29.  He met with President Ashraf Ghani, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former President Hamid Karzai and other officials.

On behalf of the United States, Ambassador Khalilzad wished all Afghans a Happy Eid.  He discussed ongoing efforts to resolve the remaining issues ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, including the need to keep violence down by all sides after the historic Eid al-Adha ceasefire and the final prisoner releases.  He underscored the need to stop the bloodshed and seize this historic opportunity for peace.  Ambassador Khalilzad also provided updates on regional and international efforts in support of intra-Afghan negotiations.