The United States and Russia in a joint statement have welcomed the signing of US-Taliban peace agreement as an important step towards ending the war and the opening of the door to intra-Afghan negotiations on March 10.

According to the statement, a comprehensive and sustainable peace can be achieved only through an inclusive negotiated political settlement among Afghans.
US and Russia reaffirmed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not recognized by the international community and at the United Nations, and furthermore, the international community will not accept or support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The statement welcomed the Taliban committing to join a political process and their prospective role in a new post-settlement Afghan Islamic government as determined by the intra-Afghan negotiations.
The two countries appreciated the February 22-28 reduction of violence and urged all sides to further decrease violence in order to create an environment conducive to intra-Afghan negotiations.
In the meantime, the statement called on all Afghans to begin discussions immediately on issues of mutual concern, such as prisoner releases and a ceasefire.
US and Russia expressed readiness upon the commencement of the intra-Afghan negotiations to review the status of sanctions designations in order to support the peace process, noting that Taliban action to further reduce violence and otherwise cease to engage in or support activities that threaten the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan or other countries will affect the review.