The United States and the Taliban made substantial progress in their latest round of peace talks from February 25 to March 12, 2019 in Qatar. The last round of peace talks took place from January 21 to 26.

The talks focused on two main issues: the withdrawal of the US and Coalition Forces from Afghanistan, and the Taliban's commitment to preventing and denying the use of Afghan soil in a manner that threatens the security of the US, its allies, or any other country.

The two parties, assisted by Qatari mediators, agreed that a lasting peace agreement should be based on four main interlinked components that shall be executed pursuant to an agreed upon timeline and conditions.

The talks were hosted and mediated by Qatar, represented by HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Special Envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution Dr Mutlaq bin Majid al-Qahtani.

The US was represented by the Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, and on the other hand, the Taliban was represented by Sher Mohamed Abbas Stanikzai, the Lead Taliban Negotiator.

Both parties thanked Qatar for its extensive efforts and constructive support in mediating the longest round of negotiations, lasting a total of 16 consecutive days.

Qatar renewed its plea for the inclusion of all regional and international parties to streamline and consolidate these efforts and the efforts of Qatar's strategic partners to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Qatar invited the two parties to initiate the next round of negotiations in the foreseeable future.

Related Story