Peaceful, democratic Afghanistan focus of 4th trilateral meet: US

The diplomats of the three countries agreed to continue work together toward a safe, peaceful, democratic, pluralistic and prosperous Afghanistan that is free from terrorism, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference.

While the Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Deepak Mittal, the Afghan side was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai. Alice Wells represented the US.

"They met to discuss the US and Indian civilian assistance to Afghanistan, as well as regional issues of mutual interest to the three countries," Nauret said.

She said all sides, during the trilateral, held on the margins of the Kabul Process Conference in Kabul, welcomed discussions on political, economic, educational and developmental goals and agreed that trilateral cooperation will strengthen the economic and regional stability across many sectors in Afghanistan.

"The United States, Afghanistan and India should continue and increase initiatives that support economic and developmental reforms in Afghanistan," the State Department spokesperson said.

Agreeing that the dialogue continues to advance shared values and goals, the diplomats decided that the next meeting should take place on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in September, she said.