Taliban delegation visits Beijing to discuss Afghan peace process: China

BEIJING: China Thursday confirmed that a Taliban delegation led by Abdul Ghani Baradar had recently visited China to discuss peace talks in Afghanistan.

“A few days ago, Abdul Ghani Baradar, head of Taliban political office in Qatar, and several of his assistants visited China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Lu Kang said during his regular briefing held here.

During his stay in China, relevant Chinese officials exchanged views with Abdul Ghani Baradar and his delegation on issues of common concern such as the peace reconciliation process in Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism, he added.

The spokesperson said the Chinese side was highly concerned about the recent situation in Afghanistan and had been actively playing a role in advancing the process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

“China has always supported Afghanistan's broad and inclusive peace and "Afghan-dominated and Afghan-owned" peace process and supported the internal dialogue of the Afghan people.

Lu remarked that China had exchanged views with Baradar and his party based on his consistent position and added, this was also a part of China's efforts to persuade peace and promote talks.

“Both sides believe that this exchange is beneficial and agree to continue to maintain communication and cooperation on the search for a political solution to the Afghan issue and the fight against terrorism,” he said.

The spokesperson maintained that China would continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all relevant parties through various means and channels, and play its due role in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and achieving stable development at an early date.

Lu said he believed that the relevant parties in Afghanistan hope to resolve the current problems facing Afghanistan through political dialogue and achieve peace and reconciliation at an early date, thus making efforts for the country to finally restore stability and development.

China supports people in Afghanistan resolving their problems themselves through talks and this visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks.

Lu added that China would continue to play an active role in promoting the peaceful resolution of Afghan issues with relevant parties.