China ready to deepen ties with Afghanistan, Wang says

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is ready to work with Afghanistan to carry forward the traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation to bring greater benefits to both countries and peoples, and to contribute to regional peace and stability.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing on Wednesday. He welcomed Muttaqi's visit to China on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Wang emphasized that China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the independent choices made by the Afghan people, and its religious beliefs and ethnic cultures.

China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never seeks selfish interests or pursues so-called spheres of influence, he added.

Since the establishment of the Afghan interim government in September 2021, China has taken the lead in exchanging new ambassadors with Afghanistan, which Wang said fully demonstrates the Chinese people's goodwill toward the Afghan people.

China will, as always, support the Afghan government's steady governance, focus on development, resolute counterterrorism efforts, and pursuit of good-neighborly and friendly relations to achieve long-term peace and stability at an early date, Wang said.

China attaches importance to advancing key cooperation projects with Afghanistan and will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity to the country's reconstruction, development, and improvement of people's livelihoods.

He expressed Beijing's willingness to expand cooperation with Kabul in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, energy and mining, as well as law enforcement and security, and import more high-quality specialty products from Afghanistan.

The Afghan interim government cherishes the traditional friendship and places its relationship with China as a priority in its foreign policy, Muttaqi said, pledging continued commitment to the one-China principle.

He appreciated China for its long-standing and valuable support, and for upholding justice for Afghanistan on the international stage.

Afghanistan is willing to deepen mutual trust with China and promote positive outcomes in friendly cooperation across various fields, he said.

Muttaqi reaffirmed that Afghanistan will never allow any force to use its territory to engage in activities that harm China, adding the country is ready to strengthen security cooperation with China and jointly safeguard regional security and stability.