During a recent media briefing, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price lauded Pakistan’s important role in Afghanistan.
While appreciating Pakistan’s efforts, he said Pakistan will continue to have a critical role in the Afghan peace process.
“Pakistan has much to gain and will continue to have a critical role. It will be well-positioned to have a role in supporting the outcome that not only the United States seeks, but that many of our international partners, many of the countries in the region also see,” Ned Price said.
“So, we’ll continue to work and to communicate closely with our Pakistani partners on this,” he further added.
Read more: US thanks Pakistan for aiding in Afghanistan peace process
The US also recognized Pakistan’s commendable role in engaging the Taliban in peace negotiations.
Back in July, US Charge d’Affairs to Pakistan Angela Aggeler also appreciated Islamabad’s “sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan peace process.”
She was referring to Pakistan’s decision to hold a peace conference for a political solution in Afghanistan. However, the Afghan government refused to send its delegation to Pakistan.
The Afghan Peace Conference was set to be held in Islamabad. Pakistan invited a number of Afghan leaders including former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, Salahuddin Rabbani, a former foreign minister, Omar Zakhilwal, a former finance minister, Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, a senior leader of ethnic Hazara minority community, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former warlord-turned politician, and Ahmad Wali Masoud.
Read more: Pakistan to hold a special conference on Afghanistan and its future issues
More on US recognition of Pakistan
Pakistan played a crucial role in assisting the US in its war on terror. Pakistan’s assistance and advocacy for Afghan peace is something the US never forgets and always makes it a point to appreciate Pakistan.
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In July, during a press briefing, Ned Price called Pakistan an important partner on various fronts.
“Pakistan has been a helpful and constructive partner when it comes to Afghanistan and our collective efforts to bring about some semblance of peace and security there,” the spokesperson said.
Furthermore, US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin also praised Pakistan’s cooperation for peace in Afghanistan.
During a telephone conversation with Army Chief Bajwa, Austin expressed gratitude for Islamabad’s continued support for the Afghan peace process.
Read more: Pakistan’s remarkable role in transforming geopolitics