By Fidel Rahmati in Khaama Press, Jan 23, 2023
Chinese Foreign Minister issued a request in a phone conversation with his Afghan counterpart to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Afghanistan.
Qin Gang, the foreign minister of China, held a phone conversation with Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan, hoping that the Afghan government would take decisive action to ensure the security of Chinese personnel and institutions in Afghanistan.
The request was made only a few weeks following an attack on a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul’s capital, where five Chinese people suffered severe injuries.
Muttaqi wished the Chinese a happy New Year Festival and stressed that Afghanistan would never allow any force using its territory to conduct activities that would damage Afghanistan-China friendship and China’s interests.
He noted that Afghanistan would relentlessly confront terrorism in all its forms and take strong measures to ensure the safety and security of Chines citizens and institutions.
Since the interim government took control of power in August 202, the Chinese economic presence in Afghanistan has been growing. Recently, a Chinese company signed oil extraction from the northern Amu Darya basin.
The Chinese minister said that China is ready to contribute more to Afghanistan’s economic and social development to improve the livelihood of Afghan citizens.
On the other hand, Afghanistan welcomes China to play a more critical role in regional affairs and to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with China, Muttagi stressed.
China and Afghanistan are neighbours, and Afghanistan’s security situation can affect Chinese interests in the region. Experts say that China’s presence and economic support align with the Chinese security concern in the country and its long-term strategic policy in the region.
https://www.khaama.com/china-urges-kabul-to-ensure-chinese-nationals-safety-in-afghanistan/
