CHINA READY TO MEDIATE AFGHANISTAN'S KABUL AND TALIBAN

Kabul, 22 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/12 February 2015 (MINA)– China’s foreign minister said on Thursday that Beijing is ready to mediate in peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban.

“ China will support the Afghan government in realizing reconciliation with various political factions includingTaliban to bring peace and stability to the country,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference during a visit to Pakistan.

In October, soon after assuming his office, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani visited Beijing for talks where China promised $245 million investment in major oil and copper-mining projects in Afghanistan, Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

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“NATO has finished its combat mission in Afghanistan. It is now time to end decades-long turmoil and poverty,” said Wang.

He said the international community needed to lend support and encouragement to reconciliation in Afghanistan and that China is ready facilitate, if required.

A Taliban delegation visited Beijing in November, reportedly to ask for China’s help in negotiations, though the militant group denied this.

Wang also vowed to boost existing ties with Pakistan, its longstanding strategic partner in South Asia. (T/P010/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)