The United States today welcomed the recent invitation by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to extend the ceasefire between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, noting that this invitation reflects the prominent role of the kingdom in promoting regional peace and stability. "The United States renews the call for a new era of tolerance, reconciliation, renunciation of violence and the preservation of innocent lives in Afghanistan," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a press release issued today. She explained that the kingdom's call reflects the prominent role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism and the promotion of our common goal of regional peace and stability. She called on all parties to respond positively to the extension of the ceasefire and to participate in formal peace negotiations.
