US agrees with Russia, China on pulling troops from Afghanistan

Image
AFP Washington
Last Updated : Apr 27 2019 | 12:20 AM IST

The United States on Friday agreed with rivals Russia on China on a goal of withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan, a key component of a peace deal being negotiated by Washington.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy negotiating with the Taliban, met with Russian and Chinese representatives in Moscow as he seeks international consensus for his efforts to end the war.

A joint statement by the three countries called for an "inclusive Afghan-led" peace process and outlined many of the key points expected to feature in an eventual deal.

"The three sides call for an orderly and responsible withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan as part of the overall peace process," said the statement issued by the US State Department.

They also said that the Taliban have made a "commitment" to fight the extremist Islamic State group and sever ties to Al-Qaeda.

The Taliban have promised to "ensure the areas they control will not be used to threaten any other country," the statement said, calling on them to prevent any "terrorist recruiting, training and fund-raising."

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 27 2019 | 12:20 AM IST

Next Story