China welcomes dialogues between Afghan leaders

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

China has lauded holding of dialogues between the Afghanistan President, Aharaf Ghani, and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah.

Having disputed President Ashraf Ghani’s re-election last September, Abdullah Abdullah had said earlier this month that the efforts to resolve the political crisis have borne fruit. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Zhao Lijian, in regular press briefing in Beijing on May 11, while responding to a question on holding of dialogues between the two rivals, stated that China appreciated the constructive dialogues between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah. 

“Neighbours wish each other prosperity and safety. China and Afghanistan are neighbours and enjoying long established friendship and strategic partnership,” Zhao Lijian remarked. 

“China wants to see Afghanistan rise to peace and stability at an early date. China has noted the relevant development of both sides coming across the table to hold positive and constructive dialogues between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah teams,” he added. 

“China hopes that the relevant parties in Afghanistan will prioritize the interest of their people and the nation that would lead to establishing an inclusive government. This will also help Afghanistan help response to COVID-19. The dialogues will also help promote peace and reconciliation process,” the Chinese official reckoned.