Islamabad: Recognizing the key role of Pakistan in the Afghan peace process, the Russian special envoy and US CENTCOM commander held extensive discussions with Pakistan’s military chief in the shadows of the fear of breakdown of Afghan peace agreement.
Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan, visited Pakistan on Friday for talks with key officials. During his meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the two discussed regional security, particularly the Afghanistan situation.
Kabulov appreciated the positive role of Pakistan to facilitate the Afghan peace process, the official statement said. Pakistan and Russia ties were also discussed as both sides reiterated the commitment to enhance the bilateral relationship.
Regional security
On the same day, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) head General Kenneth McKenzie also met Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Gen Bajwa in Rawalpindi to revive the stalled Afghan peace talks. After disusing the mutual regional security concerns, both the officials “expressed unanimity of views on the importance of political resolution of Afghan situation” according to Pakistan military statement. They also agreed to maintain close coordination in a multilateral approach towards regional maritime security, especially in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, according to the US embassy readout. “We are committed to exploring new areas for collaboration in order to maintain security, stability and prosperity within the region,” McKenzie said.
Both the visiting dignitaries, the Russian special envoy Zamir Kabulov and the US CENTCOM chief Gen McKenzie acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and to ensure regional peace and stability. US CENTCOM chief “reiterated the US military’s appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions to the Afghan peace negotiations and the 33-nation Combined Maritime Forces”. Gen Bajwa said that “Pakistan is committed to efforts for peace in Afghanistan as it is important for peace in Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, the Russian president’s envoy also held a separate meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to discuss recent developments especially the Afghan peace talks. Highlighting Pakistan’s assistance that ultimately resulted in the U.S.-Taliban peace agreement and beginning of intra-Afghan talks, Pakistani foreign minister underlined the importance of regional consultations for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
US troops
The visits of the Russian envoy and US commander come amid the deadlock in peace talks as the Biden administration is mulling its options to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan or pursue America’s longest war. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin a day earlier said that the United States is “committed to a responsible and sustainable end to this war” but did not offer any hints about the US troops’ withdrawal by the May 1 deadline as part of the US-Taliban deal.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance has “made no final decision” on the future presence of NATO troops in Afghanistan. There are currently about 2,500 US troops and 10,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan.
