Zalmay Khalilzad holds talks with Sushma Swaraj on Afghan peace process

New Delhi [India], May 7 (ANI): United States Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here, the US Embassy said on Tuesday.
Khalilzad, who is on a two-day visit, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others.
During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts."
He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development.
Khalilzad and his counterparts discussed many important benefits that peace would bring, including preventing international terrorist use of Afghanistan as a platform for attacks; improved prospects for regional peace and security; and increased regional connectivity and trade.
The two sides also discussed that the country's political future is for the Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process. They also agreed that Afghanistan's gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon. (ANI)