US, Qatar discuss possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects

US, Qatar discuss possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects

The United States and Qatar have discussed possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects to consolidate peace and unlock regional prosperity.

The discussions came as US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and CEO of US International Development Finance Corporation Adam Boehler met with officials of Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Fund for Development.

"The potential to amplify investment impact in Afghanistan with like-minded partners is real," Khalilzad said.

The envoy said that they also met with Taliban leaders and underscored the economic development opportunities that will follow a sustainable peace.

"We agreed developing plans in support of peace can never start too early, assuming the two sides can overcome final hurdles on the path to intra-Afghan negotiations," he said. "The Taliban recognize all Afghans will have to make compromises in order to draw in the required investment in Afghanistan's future," he added.

Earlier this week, Khalilzad and Boehler had video call with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah.

"We discussed the importance of quick-hit programs as well as longer term infrastructure programs that will provide significant employment opportunities," Khalilzad said.

"Power and health care are two critical areas that merit support. They help with economic development and improve peoples' quality of life."

He said that investment is possible only if Afghan leaders make the decisions conducive for economic development.

"On peace we emphasized the immediate step is to rapidly resolve the remaining issues surrounding the start of intra-Afghan negotiations," Khalilzad said. "Delay provides opportunities for spoilers."