Today in Kabul, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and also with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund.
Following these meetings, trilateral talks took place involving Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, especially important given the friction between Afghanistan and Pakistan. First reports from the media indicate that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was discussed, with the prospect of incorporating Afghanistan into it. CPEC is one of the leading projects within China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Ministry accounts report that China invited Kabul to formally join its Belt and Road Initiative, an offer made previously. The Afghan statement said that Wang spoke of China commencing new mining activities this year. A spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry told media that Prime Minister Akhund spoke to Wang about the importance of Beijing continuing its “efforts and cooperation on the international stage in support of Afghanistan’s international position.”
Wang Yi discussed China’s intent to increase cooperation with Afghanistan in areas including trade and agriculture. China is prepared to deepen mutual trust, and also calls upon Afghanistan to continue to combat armed groups, and maintain tight security, which will contribute to bilateral economic cooperation.
