Politics
22:29, 10-Jun-2018
Xi Jinping: Afghan-led peace process key to lasting stability
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The Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is key to achieving long lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday. He also expressed his appreciation of the peace offer initiated by the Afghan government earlier this year and the recent truce announcement made by the Taliban.
Xi made the remarks at his meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Qingdao during the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.
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Xi made it clear that China supports Afghanistan solving its issues with militant groups including the Taliban through political dialogues.
On China-Afghanistan bilateral ties, President Xi pointed out that consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between the two countries is an unswerving policy of the Chinese government. The two sides should keep high-level exchanges such as communication between governmental departments, legislatures, parties and militaries, as well as local cooperation, Xi added.
Xi stressed that China is willing to continue providing as much help as possible to boost the Afghan economy, support Afghanistan's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and speed up the construction of connectivity in the region.
October 31, 2014: President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (L) speaks during the Fourth Ministerial Conference of Istanbul Process of Afghanistan held at the Diaoyutai Guesthouse in Beijing, China.
October 31, 2014: President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (L) speaks during the Fourth Ministerial Conference of Istanbul Process of Afghanistan held at the Diaoyutai Guesthouse in Beijing, China.
Xi also mentioned the two countries should strengthen cooperation in anti-terrorism, and push forward people-to-people exchanges.
For his part, Ghani first congratulated Xi on the success of this year's SCO summit. He then thanked China for its long-term help, particularly the latter's support for his country's peace process.
In addition, Ghani said Afghanistan stands by the BRI and China's proposal of strengthening regional collaboration, and is willing to further advance cooperation with China in bilateral and regional affairs.