-Providing platforms to create conducive conditions after US irresponsible withdrawal
BEIJING: Together with Pakistan, China has shown responsibility and determination in helping Afghanistan’s security and rebuilding after the irresponsible withdrawal of the US troops, Chinese experts said, as China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted the fourth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue via video link on Thursday.
The three foreign ministers reached a consensus on promoting the peace process in Afghanistan and anti-terrorism and security cooperation, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Wang Yi said that the current international and regional situations are undergoing complex and profound changes, and the security and stability of Afghanistan and the region are facing new challenges, with foreign troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan accelerated, the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan impacted, and armed conflicts and terrorist activities becoming more frequent.
Under such circumstances, it is more necessary for the three countries to strengthen communication and cooperation to make the situation in Afghanistan more conducive to the common interests of Afghanistan and other countries in the region, Wang said.
During the meeting, Wang and Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reached a consensus on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, and trilateral cooperation.
They stressed that the solution to the Afghan issue should fully reflect the principle of “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned,” support Afghanistan in becoming an independent, sovereign and neutral country, pursuing a moderate Muslim policy, firmly fighting against terrorism, and maintaining friendly ties with other countries, especially neighboring countries.
The foreign ministers also urged strengthened efforts to combat the “East Turkistan Islamic Movement” and other terrorist forces, so as to safeguard regional security and stability.
Since the mechanism was set up under China’s initiative in 2017, three sessions had been held making this an important platform for the three countries to enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation.
On April 14, US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of all American troops from Afghanistan before September 11, along with NATO troops.
There have been mounting worries about the security situation in Afghanistan since Biden’s announcement. Combatants on both sides, the Taliban and the Afghan government, as well as civilians have reportedly been killed in growing numbers since the start of May.
– The Daily Mail-Global Times News exchange item
