Muttaqi: Opening of Wakhan corridor top priority

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasised on the extraction process in Mis Aynak copper mine to begin soon, with measures in place to ensure the safety of the historic relics.

During a meeting with Li Qun, China’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, and his delegation on Thursday, Muttaqi highlighted the establishment of the Wakhan Corridor as a key focus of the caretaker government.

The MoFA in a statement said that both sides discussed several important topics, including the protection of historical monuments at the Mis Aynak site, capacity-building in various technical fields, and fostering cultural exchanges between Afghanistan and China.

Muttaqi expressed optimism that the extraction and processing of copper at Mis Aynak would commence soon, with measures in place to safeguard relics in the area.

He underlined the significance of the Wakhan Corridor in strengthening the connectivity between Afghanistan and China, noting that its reconstruction is a priority for the Afghan government.

Li Qun affirmed that cultural cooperation between the two nations could pave the way for broader collaboration in other sectors.

He described the Mis Aynak project as a symbol of cultural exchange and mutual understanding, and highlighted that experts in mining and cultural affairs are part of the delegation to ensure both the resumption of mining operations and the protection of historic relics.

On Wednesday, China's state-owned enterprise MCC began construction of a 25-kilometer road leading to the Mes Aynak copper mine in central Logar province. The road, which is 30 meters wide, is expected to be completed within a year.

sa