Kabul hails China’s call for Taliban to cut ties with terrorists

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan on Thursday welcomed the Chinese government’s call for the Taliban to cut ties with the East Turkestan Movement (ETIM) and other terrorist groups.

Beijing issued the call as a Taliban delegation, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, met Chinese officials including the foreign minister.

A day earlier, Taliban’s Qatar Office said in a statement the delegation was visiting Beijing in response to an official invitation.

The delegation held separate meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his deputy and the special envoy for Afghanistan.

The Taliban assured China that Afghan areas under their control would not be used against the security of any third country.

On Thursday, MoFA said Afghanistan welcomed the Chinese government’s stance that was in consonance with the demand of the Afghan government and people.

“We have consistently emphasized that the Taliban's close ties with regional and international terrorist groups not only prolong the war and bloodshed in Afghanistan, but also pose a serious threat to regional security and stability.”

A statement from the ministry said: “We also commend the Chinese government's efforts to persuade the Taliban to end the violence, prioritise Afghanistan's national interests, and uphold their commitments to comprehensive peace.”

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