Newly appointed Chinese Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Ambassador Deng Xijun on Friday lauded Pakistan's role in facilitating peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and expressed the hope that it will ensure peace and security in the region.
Talking to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Special Envoy on Afghanistan also commended Pakistan's concerted efforts and huge sacrifices, in the fight against terrorism. He reassured China's continued support to Pakistan to address the common challenges faced by the region.
Tariq Fatemi felicitated Ambassador Deng Xijun on his appointment as Special Envoy and expressed hope that his presence would further strengthen the close co-operation and understanding, which the two sides enjoyed on important regional issues. He underscored that peace in Afghanistan was vital for the peace and stability of the entire region and highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process.
He emphasised that Pakistan and China had convergent interests and shared goals vis-à-vis Afghanistan and welcomed China's growing engagement with Afghanistan, as well as its efforts for peace and development in the country. The two sides also discussed the forthcoming Ministerial Meeting of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, which will be held in Islamabad next month, and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely for its success.