China to support bilateral mechanism between Pakistan and Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Sunday said that a trilateral dialogue process between Pakistan, Afghanistan and China have been agreed at foreign ministers level to discuss all aspects of relations between Islamabad and Kabul with special focus on economic cooperation.

Addressing a joint press conference here along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, he said that a bilateral crisis management mechanism between Afghanistan and Pakistan will also be developed to enable both sides to maintain timely and effective communication which will be supported by China.

The Chinese foreign minister arrived on Saturday as Beijing intervenes to improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The relations have worsened over border management and security issues. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday called on Afghanistan to do more against terrorism saying that Pakistan has done its maximum on the issue.

The mechanism will include prevention through effective intelligence and information sharing and other mutually agreed measures, and enable the two sides to maintain timely and effective communications in case of any emergencies including terrorist attacks.

This will assist towards seeking a proper solution through dialogue and consultation and preventing deterioration of the situation which might have negative effect on the bilateral relationship.

He further said that Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China have also agreed on the need to revive the QCG (Quadrilateral Coordination Group) process to create a conducive environment for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

“The three parties believe that peace and reconciliation is the fundamental solution to the Afghan issue, which could not be solved by violent means,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China wants to work together with Pakistan and Afghanistan for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region. “China wants to maintain good ties with all neighbouring countries and encourages Islamabad and Kabul to improve relations,” he said.

He condemned the recent terrorist attacks occurred in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and extended condolences to the deceased and sympathy to the affected people.

He lauded Pakistan’s efforts and that the country has played a role as front line in the war against terrorism and its contributions are undeniable. “The world must acknowledge the efforts made by Pakistan in global campaign against extremism,” he said.