US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held two-day talks with representatives of EU, China, and Russia for consultations on the Afghan peace process, the US Department of State said in a statement on March 22. 

Khalilzad and EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Roland Kobia they agreed that bringing an end to Afghanistan’s war and achieving peace must be the key objective, and that violence should cease. 

“To benefit all Afghans, the region, and the world, they further underscored that any peace agreement should uphold the rights of all Afghans, in particular, those of women, minorities, and children, and ensure Afghan soil is not used by international terrorist groups or individuals against any country,” the statement said.  

The statement added that both sides underscored their respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.

The United States and the European Union will continue their close coordination, the statement said, adding that they encourage all countries to support the current peace process, inclusive intra-Afghan talks, and lasting development and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

In the meeting with Chinese and Russian envoy, the parties exchanged views on the current status of the Afghan peace process and discussed common efforts to bring peace, prosperity, and security to Afghanistan, the US Department of State said in a separate statement.  

They underscored their respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, as well as Afghanistan’s right to make its own political, security, and economic decisions, the statement said. 

The United States, China, and Russia agreed to continue further discussions, the statement said, adding that the exact date and venue for the next meeting will be decided through diplomatic channels. 

The parties will continue to seek common efforts and coordination on the Afghan peace process.