Washington, Feb 5 (TIWN) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Zalmay Khalilzad, Washington's special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation, during which they "discussed the way forward" for long-lasting peace in the war-torn country.

Taking to Twitter following the meeting here on Thursday, Blinken said: “Great meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad to discuss the way forward in Afghanistan… Continuing to protect the US against the threat of terrorism, achieving a just and durable political settlement there, and cementing a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”