Pakistan has made 'all-out efforts' in anti-terrorism

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The Pakistani government's efforts and sacrifices in fighting against terrorism have been widely recognized, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday, adding that Pakistan has made “all-out efforts” in counter-terrorism.

He made the remarks at a press conference, responding to a reporter’s question on US President Donald Trump’s new strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia, after he met with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif address a press conference after their meeting in Beijing on September 8, 2017. /Photo from fmprc.gov.cn

Terrorism is a global issue which needs all nations to act hand in hand, Wang said, adding that relevant parties should pull together in anti-terror cooperation rather than accuse each other.

Wang said that China and Pakistan have enjoyed a good long-term relationship, and no one would know better than China how Pakistan has long been the victim of terrorism, yet still managed to play a key role in counter-terrorism.

Touching upon Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, Wang said Asif, during the Friday meeting, expressed Islamabad’s willingness to improve relations with Kabul. Also, as neighbors and friends to both countries, China is working positively to resolve differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan while exploring ways for cooperation, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) met with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Beijing on September 8, 2017. /Photo from fmprc.gov.cn

Wang announced that a meeting of China-Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign ministers will be held later this year, in which strategic communications, practical cooperation and security dialogue will top the agenda.

Last month, Trump unveiled his new policy in Afghanistan and South Asia, and accused Pakistan of being a “safe haven” for terrorist organizations with a warning that vital financial aid could be cut.

Pakistan issued a stern official response to Trump’s accusation with the country's National Security Committee saying it (NSC) “outright rejected” the allegations and that the “Afghan war cannot be fought in Pakistan.”