United States envoy Angela Aggeler met Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed the likely scenarios in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US troops and the entire peace process.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the overall regional security situation, including recent developments in the Afghan peace process and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed,” Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Friday.

The meeting between the US envoy and the army chief was part of the ongoing engagement between the two countries on Afghanistan, Dawn reported.

Several high-level contacts have taken place between the two sides in the past fortnight starting with a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Later, national security advisers of the two countries met in Geneva and the US defense secretary spoke with the army chief over the phone. More­over, several unannounced contacts have also reportedly taken place.

“The US dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan peace process,” the ISPR said.

It has been speculated that the US has been asking for bases in Pakistan after the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.

The US, moreover, has logistical requirements for withdrawal. For the Americans, Pakistan is a preferred choice for future counterterrorism basing, the Dawn report claimed.

Foreign Minister Qureshi had earlier this week told the Senate that Pakistan would not allow American bases in the country.

(SAM)