KABUL (SW) – The Afghan government said on Wednesday it was taken into confidence by the Chinese government regarding the Taliban delegation visit to Beijing.
The foreign ministry said the invitation for this trip to the Taliban was intended to express China’s concern about the security situation in Afghanistan, the presence of foreign fighters and terrorists alongside the Taliban, and the Chinese government’s support for peace talks and political agreement.
“During the meeting, the Chinese government expressed its deep concern over the recent Taliban attacks, which have resulted in the increasing killing of innocent people and the displacement of tens of thousands of people, and called on the Taliban to accept a political solution and shun ties with regional terrorists”, said the foreign ministry.
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It added that given the common security threats and common political and economic interests, and in light of recent talks between the two presidents and foreign ministers, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expects the Chinese government to strengthen regional consensus and put international pressure on the Taliban to end the violence, establish a ceasefire, ensure peace and put an end to the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan.
China hosted a nine-member delegation of the Taliban led by political office head, Mullah Baradar Akhund, the group said on Wednesday.
“The meetings focused on political, economic and security issues related to the two countries, the current situation in Afghanistan and the peace process,” Taliban spokesman Muhammad Naeem said on Twitter about the two-day visit that began on Tuesday, which included meetings with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a deputy foreign minister, and special representative on Afghanistan.
The visit, which Naeem said was on Beijing’s invitation in the northeastern Tianjin municipality, occurred as the US-led NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan nears completion under a recent agreement between the Taliban and Washington signed in the Qatari capital Doha.
“The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) assured China that Afghan territory would not be used against any country,” added Naeem.
He noted that China had pledged to “continue and expand its cooperation with the Afghan people, saying that they would not interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs, but would help solve problems and build peace.”
“The Islamic Emirate thanked China for its continued cooperation with the people of Afghanistan, especially its continued cooperation in the fight against COVID-19,” Naeem said.
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