PM Hassan accepts new Chinese ambassador’s credentials

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Wednesday accepted the credentials of newly-appointed ambassador of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, MoFA said Mullah Hassan accepted the credentials of Ambassador Zhao Xing at a ceremony. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was also present on the occasion.

Ambassador Xing expressed happiness on his new mission in Afghanistan, saying: “It is an honour for me to start my work as the Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan”.

He said China fully respected Afghanistan’s independence, territorial integrity and the decision-making authority.

He said he would strive to develop and expand relations between the two countries.

For his part, Mullah Hassan hoped the appointment of Chinese ambassador would usher into a new era of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He called relations between Afghanistan and China important and hoped that more steps would be taken to further strengthen bilateral ties.

sa/ma