Joe Biden, Nawaz Sharif and Ashraf Ghani discuss reconciliation with Taliban

Davos: US Vice President Joe Biden held a tri-lateral meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Davos on Thursday to discuss recent reconciliation efforts with the Taliban, the White House said.

“They discussed recent efforts to relaunch peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban,” the White House said in a statement on the meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting in the Swiss Alps town.

Biden offered condolences for the loss of life from recent terrorist attacks in both countries and commended both leaders for their diplomatic efforts to advance peace, said a statement issued by his spokesman.

During the meeting Biden reaffirmed US support for reconciliation and improved bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan and called them important pillars of regional stability.

“The Vice President encouraged both leaders to remain committed to a credible peace process reinforced by tangible steps to reduce violence, eliminate militant safe havens, and promote bilateral cooperation,” the statement said.

PTI