ISLAMABAD – Chinese Foreign Minister in a joint press conference held afterthe meeting between the foreign ministers, said that China “aims to helpcreate a favourable environment between Pakistan and Afghanistan”.
Yi highlighted the close relationship between China and Pakistan, sayingthat both countries were “all-weather friends and important strategicpartners”.
He further said that “as a friend of both countries, China is making everyeffort to build confidence between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
The Chinese foreign minister declared that China will assist both countriesin the provision of clean drinking water and building infrastructure,including the construction of a rail network to connect Afghanistan andPakistan.
Addressing the Afghan crisis, Yi said: “In order to further the process ofreconciliation, [Afghan] Taliban will have to be ushered to the dialoguetable.” The Chinese foreign minister further said that war was not asolution to any problem.
“We urge the [Afghan] Taliban to take advantage of this chance for peaceand hold negotiations,” Yi said.
Qureshi thanked China for its role in “bringing Afghanistan and Pakistancloser”. He added that the ball was now in Afghanistan’s court as it has todecide which route they wished to take in order to achieve peace.