Former president Hamid Karzai said he sees “national dialogue” as essential for Afghanistan as he met with United Nations deputy chief Amina Mohammed in Kabul on Wednesday.

“At the meeting, the two sides discussed the United Nations support and reopening of girls’ schools, the resumption of women’s work (in NGOs), and for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for national dialogue,” said Shahzada Massoud, a close aide to Karzai.