ISLAMABAD - China's Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Ambassador Sun Yuxi, called on Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and discussed host of issues including Pakistan's fight against terrorism as well as developments in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary underscored the convergent interests and shared goals of Pakistan and China vis-à-vis Afghanistan. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to support all efforts for a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan. They also underlined the importance of international support to Afghanistan during its multiple transitions, including a peaceful democratic transition.
The Foreign Secretary emphasized that continued support and assistance for reconstruction and economic development would reinforce efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He reiterated Pakistan's resolve to counter terrorism and, in this regard, highlighted the thrust of Operation Zarb-e-Azb against all terrorists and their hideouts.
The Special Envoy expressed China's solidarity with Pakistan in this endeavour and appreciated Pakistan's contribution to global efforts against terrorism.
The Foreign Secretary also highlighted Pakistan's constructive engagement to promote regional cooperation. In this context, the two sides conferred on the Ministerial Meeting of the Heart of Asia/Istanbul Process, to be held in Tianjin, China.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with China for a successful ministerial conference.
CHINA SUPPORTS RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN AFGHANISTAN, SAYS SUN YUXI
APP adds: China's special envoy for Afghanistan Sun Yuxi on Sunday said that China supports ongoing political and reconciliation process in Afghanistan as it will create a better security environment.
Talking to mediamen here, he said that he met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and two leading presidential candidates Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah this week.
Yuxi expressed hope that election process in Afghanistan will wind up smoothly. He said that during meetings, the Afghan leadership talked about forming a national unity government.
Sun Yuxi, a former Ambassador to both Afghanistan and India, was appointed special envoy by China two weeks ago. The envoy said China looks forward to progress in Afghan political and reconciliation process.
"So far we have not directly got involved with Afghan groups including Taliban and we place our hope on the new government."
He said that peace process must be Afghan owned as China follows principle of non-interference in the affairs of other countries. He emphasised that success of reconciliation process will lead to better economic situation in Afghanistan.
The reconciliation efforts are supported by the United Nations and the international community, he said, adding, "We have to be patient." The envoy said China will hold meeting of Foreign Ministers of the region as part of the Istanbul process.
The meeting is postponed till the completion of the Afghan Presidential elections and formation of the new govt, he stated.
He said he will visit United States, Russia, India and Iran to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Sun Yuxi said Pakistan is a close friend of China and both countries are working together on various international issues particularly Afghanistan.
He said during his visit to Pakistan, he met the Foreign Secretary and discussed how to promote peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
"We need all parties in Afghanistan to engage in peace process so that hostility and loss of innocent lives stop."
He said economic development opportunities and raising standard of living will help create peace and security in Afghanistan, adding,"We must get involved the private sector in Afghanistan."
To a question, he said that United States has already decided to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan.
Some forces of the US will remain in their bases for maintaining security, the special envoy said ,adding, however, China thinks that the future security environment depends on Afghan security forces.
Chinese forces will not get involved in security of Afghanistan, he added. "However, if Afghanistan will need help, China will try its best to support them."
He said that China is concentrating on economic development as many times military solutions do not solve problems.
To a question, he said if groups in Afghanistan including Taliban reach agreement on national reconciliation then nobody will make trouble.
Sun Yuxi said that Afghan leadership has a blueprint for long term economic development including building countrywide railway network,motorways and power generation projects.