China seeks regional support for Afghan peace drive

KABUL (Pajhwok): Regional consensus is central to the Afghan-led peace process, China says, urging regional countries to support the reconciliation effort.

At a meeting with National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar in Beijing, China’s Chief of Joint Staff Li Zuocheng pledged full support for equipping Afghan security forces.

A statement from the National Security Council (NSC) said Li Zuocheng commended the Afghan forces for their efforts to eliminate terror groups.

While stressing bilateral military and security cooperation, he asked the regional countries to play their role in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.

For his part, Atmar called for an early start to the second phase of bilateral dialogue between Kabul and Beijing.He invited the Chinese delegation to visit Kabul.

pr/mud