Taliban FM, US envoy to meet in Islamabad

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Taliban’s acting foreign minister is set to meet the new US special envoy for Afghanistan.

Both Amir Khan Muttaqi and Thomas West are currently in Islamabad to attend the Troika-Plus meeting on Afghanistan.

On Wednesday evening, Muttaqi arrived in Islamabad at the head of a 20-member delegation, including Finance Minister Hidayatullah Badri and Minister of Industries Nooruddin Aziz.

West would also meet senior diplomats from China and Russia, a statement from the US State Department said earlier in the week.

A Pakistani official, meanwhile, confirmed that West — before visiting Russia and India — would hold a meeting with the Taliban foreign minister.

The special envoys will discuss ways of averting a humanitarian crisis and the possibility of creating a broad-nased government in Afghanistan.

Since Afghanistan is not part of Troika Plus, Muttaqi was extended a special invitation by Islamabad. He will extend his stay in Pakistan by a day for talks with his hosts.

mud

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