Indonesia Pledges to Mediate Peace Process in Afghanistan

President Joko Widodo Jokowi tells Indonesia’s diversity to Karim Khalili and the Afghan delegation.

Kabul, MINA – Afghanistan’s High Peace Council (HPC) on Monday announced that Indonesia has pledged to cooperate with Afghanistan in its efforts for peace and reconciliation.

To that end, a high-level Indonesian delegation will visit Kabul in less than two weeks’ time to conduct talks on how to engage in the peace process with the Taliban insurgents, according to Tolo News.

Last month, HPC chief, Mohammad Karim Khalili, traveled to Indonesia where he held discussions with high-ranking Indonesian officials including President Joko Widodo on the peace process in Afghanistan.

“I think it is the first time that a big nation like Indonesia shows a willingness to share its experience regarding peace and reconciliation with Afghanistan and play a constructive role in the process,” said HPC member Attaurrahman Saleem.

Also Read: Indonesia Pledges to Support Afghan Peace, Reconciliation Process

“The Indonesian president said in a televised speech that Indonesia is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan and act as a mediator between the Tahrik-e-Taliban, the Afghan government, and high peace council. God willing, we will witness more efforts from this country in the weeks to come,” said Mohammad Amin Karim, member of Hizb-e-Islam.

The HPC delegation was also accompanied by a member of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar-led Hizb-e-Islami party.

The Hizb-e-Islami group believes that Indonesia can play a vital role in promoting the peace process in Afghanistan.

But, the Afghan political parties and lawmakers in the parliament have frequently blasted the HPC for its poor performance to bring the Taliban to the peace negotiation table.

Also Read: HPC Delegation Off to Indonesia on Six-Day Official Visit

“I think the stories about the war and peace in Afghanistan by those individuals who are currently in the high peace council or ARG (presidential palace) are useless and not comprehensive,” said MP Ramazan Bashardost.

“Everyone wants to know about the performance of the high peace council. The HPC needs to work seriously in this respect,” said senator Anarkali Honaryar.

The HPC is optimistic that Indonesia will share its experience for peace with Afghanistan as the country itself has faced major ups and downs in the search for (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)