Afghanistan’s neighbours have constructive roles to play: US

THE US has acknowledged Pakistan’s help in its efforts to establish peace in Afghanistan, but warned that regional forces need to work “constructively” for durable security.

“All of Afghanistan’s neighbours need to play a constructive role in helping bring durable political settlement as well as a comprehensive ceasefire,” US state department spokesperson Ned Price said.

He said, “the US is going to work very closely to ensure that Afghanistan’s neighbours play a constructive role in Afghanistan”.

The statement assumes significance as the US is looking for a military base in Afghanistan’s neighbourhood after the withdrawal of its troops from the country, but Pakistan refused to host American forces fearing “revenge attack”.

“Pakistan has been a helpful and constructive partner when it comes to Afghanistan and our collective efforts to bring about some semblance of peace and security there," Geo News quoted Price as saying.

Price said the shared interests of the US and Pakistan extended beyond Afghanistan and include broader counterterrorism and people-to-people ties that “unite our two countries”.

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had recently said Islamabad would look for “civilised and even-handed” ties with the US and an improved trade relationship between the two nations.