BEIJING: Under the new conditions, Afghanistan should be a forum for cooperation among various parties instead of geopolitical games and Beijing supports all plans that are favorable to political settlement of the issue of Afghanistan, an 11-point statement released by China stated, detailing its position on the issue of Afghanistan.
Beijing’s position on Afghan issue
The 11-point statement, titled “China’s Position on the Afghan Issue,” was released by China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. The statement added, Beijing respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, pays respect to the independent choices made by the people of Afghanistan, and also respects the national customs and religious beliefs of Afghanistan. Beijing never interferes in internal affairs of Afghanistan, never seeks narcissistic interests in Afghanistan, and never follows so-called sphere of influence in the country, the statement said.
Remarking, China supports prudent and moderate governance in Afghanistan, the statement maintained and said, Beijing hopes that Kabul would build an inclusive and open political structure, adopt prudent and moderate local and foreign policies and that current Afghan Government would secure the basic rights and interests of all people of Afghanistan including children, women, and all ethnic groups.
The statement added that Beijing will continue to do its best to provide support and help to Afghanistan with development and reconstruction and fulfill its help promises, encourage stable progress in trade, investment and economic cooperation, and vigorously carry out cooperation in all fields including poverty alleviation, medical care, disaster prevention, mitigation and agriculture.
Beijing welcomes Kabul’s participation in Belt and Road cooperation and supports Kabul’s integration into connectivity and regional economic cooperation that will convert it from a “land locked nation” to a “land-linked nation,” the statement said.
The statement further said that in context of countering terrorism, Beijing hopes that Kabul will take more effective steps to crack down on all terrorist elements including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, with greater resolve, and sincerely ensure the security of citizens, organizations and projects of China and other nations in Afghanistan, APP reported.
