Afghanistan
The US Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs, John Bass, is set to undertake a diplomatic mission spanning Qatar and Pakistan from April 26 to April 30, as confirmed by the State Department.
During his visit, Bass will engage in discussions regarding Afghanistan with Qatari officials, while also prioritizing discussions on bilateral relations with Pakistani officials.
The timing of Bass’s visit is notable, occurring against the backdrop of two significant regional developments: reports indicating a potential closure of the Taliban’s negotiation office in Qatar and the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.
“In Doha, Qatar, he will meet with senior Qatari government officials and representatives from other diplomatic missions to address support for Afghanistan and mutual security interests within the region,” the statement outlined.
Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan, Under Secretary Bass will engage with senior Pakistani government officials to deliberate on a range of regional and bilateral matters as part of the enduring US-Pakistani partnership.
Additionally, Bass and Pakistani officials are expected to explore avenues for enhanced economic cooperation between their respective countries, as noted by Shaukat Piracha.
Furthermore, the State Department underscored its ongoing collaboration with Pakistan to address the country’s energy requirements.
A notable initiative in this regard involves the installation of solar power infrastructure with a capacity of 11,000 megawatts, aimed at meeting a significant portion of residential energy consumption in Pakistan.
John Bass brings a wealth of experience to his current role, having previously served as the US ambassador to Afghanistan during the administration of Donald Trump from December 2017 to January 2020.
Overall, Bass’s diplomatic mission reflects the United States’ commitment to fostering constructive engagements with both Qatar and Pakistan, particularly in the context of regional stability and the ongoing efforts to address the complexities surrounding Afghanistan.
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