The U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, indicated that "meetings [with the Taliban] were more productive than they have been in the past". Secretary of State Pompeo added that "the U.S. is serious about pursuing peace, preventing Afghanistan from continuing to be a space for international terrorism, and bringing forces home. Working with the Afghan government and all interested parties, the U.S. seeks to strengthen Afghan sovereignty, independence and prosperity".