China offers Afghanistan counter-terrorism cooperation

KABUL (Pajhwok): China has voiced its willingness to cement counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Afghanistan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to Xinhua, also offered to help the conflict-devastated country strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity.

During a phone conversation with his Afghan counterpart Haneef Atmar on Monday, he promised China’s continued support for the government in Kabul.

China would continue playing a leading role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, he said, asking all parties to implement relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to avoid a resurgence of terrorism in the country.

Wang also spoke with National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib Wang stressed China’s endorsement of the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” peace drive.

With peace efforts underway, Wang stressed, all parties must demonstrate patience and goodwill. While urging a stop to violence, he called for creating a favorable environment for peace talks.

In response Atmar reaffirmed Afghanistan’s firm commitment to further strengthening its cooperative relations with China.

He hoped the two countries would hold a strategic dialogue and communication on deepening bilateral, pragmatic and anti-terrorism cooperation as well as advancing regional cooperation.

The foreign minister welcomed China’s strong support as well as humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan.

PAN Monitor/mud