The U.S. State Department issued a statement remarking that “the U.S. and the Taliban have been engaged in extensive talks to facilitate a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan, reduce U.S. and Allied Forces presence and ensure that no terrorist group ever uses Afghan soil to threaten the U.S. or our allies”. The statement added that “in recent weeks, in consultation with the Government of National Unity, U.S. negotiators in Doha have come to an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence across Afghanistan. Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward. We are preparing for the signing to take place on February 29. Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan”.