Pakistan, China underline need of peaceful, stable Afghanistan

Pakistan and China have agreed that only a peaceful, stable and connected Afghanistan can act as a fulcrum for enhanced regional trade and connectivity.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and China’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, in Islamabad.

The two sides exchanged views on political and security situation in Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance by Pakistan and China to the war-torn country and other matters of mutual interest.

The Foreign Secretary stressed the need to de-freeze Afghanistan’s foreign reserves and facilitate banking operations to ease economic hardships of Afghan people.

In the context of regional connectivity, both sides exchanged views on extension of CPEC to Afghanistan to promote economic development and prosperity.

The Foreign Secretary underscored that the international community’s focus should not be diverted from the dire situation in Afghanistan owing to events taking place elsewhere.

The Chinese Special Envoy appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in the context of Afghanistan.

Source: Radio Pakistan