U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has left, on June 5, for travel to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan to facilitate the beginning of the intra-Afghan peace talks.

In a press release, the U.S. State Department revealed the primary focus of Khalilzad’s trip is to obtain agreement between the Afghan parties and the Taliban on the practical next steps necessary for a smooth start to intra-Afghan negotiations.

In addition to that, he will also be reviewing with the Taliban on the implementation of all its commitments as laid down in the U.S.-Taliban deal which they signed in February.

He will also be looking into the progress of implementing the U.S.-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically with respect to the reduced violence and prisoner exchange.

Khalilzad will also be trying to win consensus to set the venue and time for the intra-Afghan talks.