This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On August 17, 2019, US President Donald Trump met with his national security advisors at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course to discuss the ongoing negotiations with the Taliban.
The meeting, which included Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford, aimed to finalize a peace and reconciliation agreement with the Taliban and the Afghan government.
According to a statement from deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley, the discussions 'went very well, and negotiations are proceeding.'
Trump also took to Twitter to express his optimism, stating, 'Just completed a very good meeting on Afghanistan. Many on the opposite side of this 19 year war, and us, are looking to make a deal -- if possible!'
Expectations are rising for a deal that would see the US start withdrawing its 14,000 soldiers from Afghanistan after a two-decade war.
Washington is keen to end its involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion, and Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to bring troops home.
However, a US-Taliban agreement would not bring an end to the war, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the US-backed Kabul government.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the importance of a comprehensive peace agreement, stating, 'In continued close cooperation with the government of Afghanistan, we remain committed to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.'
This would include 'a reduction in violence and a ceasefire, ensuring that Afghan soil is never again used to threaten the United States or her allies, and bringing Afghans together to work towards peace.'
