Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are taking action to support peaceful dialogue between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States; if so, what; and what advice they have provided to the governments of those states in relation to dialogue with the Taliban.

The Government continues to support both Afghanistan and Pakistan in their efforts to build and maintain a relationship that will enhance the security, stability and prosperity of both countries and the wider region. The Foreign Secretary, other Ministers, and senior officials speak regularly with leaders from the two countries about the importance of improving relations. The most recent Ministerial contact was during the visit by the Minister for Asia and the Pacific to Kabul on 1-2 October. On 15 March the Government facilitated a meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan at which some progress was made to address the concerns of both sides. We continue to encourage the two countries to work together to tackle the threat of cross-border militancy, improve border management and encourage increased bilateral trade. We liaise closely with the US on this agenda.

The Government is committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, and this will need to include the Taliban. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is active in pursuit of that goal through diplomatic outreach and our programmatic work, including direct support to Afghanistan's Higher Peace Council. Our message to all parties involved is that a political solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. As President Ghani has previously said, the Taliban have a choice between peace and war. They must choose to help to rebuild Afghanistan. Whilst this work remains difficult,​we are working with the Government of Afghanistan and all relevant international partners, including the US and Pakistan, to bring about a sustainable process as soon as possible.