RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman expressed his hope that Afghanistanextends the truce that was announced at the end of the holy month ofRamadan.

King Salman added in a statement, published by the Saudi Press Agency, thathe followed closely the ceasefire that was agreed between the government ofAfghanistan and the Taliban and hoped that such a blessed step would bebuilt upon by all parties to reach a lasting peace in the country.

The Saudi king added, in his statement, that Afghan people have sufferedextensively from long wars and the people of Afghanistan, like all peopleacross the Muslim world, hope that the country turns the page on pastdiscords and opens a new chapter based on tolerance, peace, therenunciation of violence and the protection of civilian life – based onIslamic teachings that call for unity, cooperation, righteousness, piety,forgiveness and reform.

King Salman concluded by wishing that Afghans put aside their differencesand embrace peace in the interest of security and stability for all inAfghanistan.