Beijing, 20 July 2022 (TDI): The Chinese Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, was on a series of visits to Russia, Qatar, and Pakistan.
The purpose of the visits was to enhance international cooperation in Afghanistan and Afghanistan-related issues.
The Chinese Special Envoy met with responsible persons of the Foreign Ministries and officials in charge of Afghan affairs of the three countries, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
All parties expressed their appreciation for the important outcomes of the Third Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Afghan Issue among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan and the First “Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan Plus Afghanistan” Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, both hosted by China in Tunxi in March this year.
Moreover, all parties are ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to jointly play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and economic development in Afghanistan.
China-Afghan Cooperation:
China and Afghanistan share a cordial relationship. The two states are not just regional allies but also political allies.
Most importantly, Afghanistan has always been central to the Chinese Silk Road.
Belt and Road Initiative:
Countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan provide the most convenient routes that connect the Middle East, China, and Central Asia. Hence, stability in Afghanistan could mean regional stability and the smooth continuity of development projects.
In this regard, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and the Chinese Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, discussed the prospects of the expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan.
Also read: Pakistani Delegation leaves for Afghanistan
Additionally, the “Five Nations Railway Corridor” is an apt example of regional connectivity inclusive of Afghanistan. Other countries include Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China.
China’s active involvement in the reconstruction of Afghanistan:
China has shown an active willingness to engage with Afghanistan and to include the country in President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
President Xi Jinping has recently remarked that Afghanistan’s integration into China’s Global Development Agenda and synergizing it with Afghanistan’s National Development Plan is crucial.
Not only that, as of early July, the total Chinese humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-affected Afghanistan reached up to 54 million RMB.
China’s Conflict Mediation in Afghanistan:
China has played an active role as an intermediary in the Afghan Peace Process. The country was a key participant in the Doha negotiations and the SCO meetings vis-à-vis Afghanistan.
