BEIJING: China on Monday termed the recent visit of Pakistan’s PrimeMinister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Afghanistan an important step forimproving the relations between the two countries.

“The Pakistani prime minister visited Afghanistan. It is an important stepfor improving the relations between the two countries,” Chinese foreignministry’s spokesperson Geng Shuang commented during his regular briefing.

He said the visit also demonstrated sincere wishes and firm resolve of thetwo countries to enhance dialogue and cooperation. The Chinese side notedthat both countries had reached many consensuses on promoting Afghan peaceprocess and enhance regional inter-connectivity, he added.

“China highly appreciates this and firmly supports this. I think that thisis conducive for early achievement of peace and development.”

Geng Shuang said a friend and neighbour of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Chinawas willing to play a constructive role in improving relations between thetwo countries and actively promoting China, Afghanistan and Pakistantrilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Abbasi visited Afghanistan on April 6 and held discussionswith Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for further improving bilateralrelations between the two countries.