Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong has reaffirmed China’s consistent support for Afghanistan’s efforts in national reconciliation to help bring peace in the war-hit country.
He also assured of deepening counter-terrorism cooperation with Kabul administration with hope Afghanistan could play more significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative—also known as the One Belt One Road or the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.
He said this in a meeting with Noor-ul-Haq Olomi, Chairman of the Afghanistan National United Party on Tuesday, and being part of Beijing’s multibillion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it would be a win-win situation for Afghanistan and other involved countries as it benefits all.
Liu thanked Olomi for his contribution to bilateral relations and stressed China’s firm support for an “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” reconciliation which will bring about peace and stability in the country. “China would like to deepen counter-terrorism and anti-extremist cooperation with Afghanistan.”
Liu hoped the country’s different political factions can treat each other equally and Afghanistan can play a more significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative.
In his part, Olomi recalled with delight his visit to China for the 3rd International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).
Olomi praised China for its long-term assistance as Afghanistan’s neighbor and its long-held principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He cited a China-built hospital in his hometown of Kandahar which has served locals for nearly a half century.
He said that Afghanistan treasures its enduring friendship with China and hopes to achieve peace and prosperity as soon as possible with the help of the Chinese and international community. He also hopes to strengthen inter-party communication between the two countries.
In separate meeting, Liu Jinsong met with Mr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad, Minister Adviser to the President of Afghanistan, and his wife Mrs. Ramika at the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday. They recalled with fondness the history of China-Afghanistan relations and King Zahir Shah.
Ahmad thanked Liu for the invitation to the embassy, which made him feel extremely welcome. Ahmad mentioned that he was impressed by China’s economic achievements and well-preserved cultural heritages during his multiple visits to the country.
Liu wished the couple a happy Lantern Festival and underlined the enduring friendship between the two countries. Liu called to mind King Zahir Shah’s visit to China in 1964, during which the Afghan king met with China’s top leaders in a cordial setting.
Ramika was amazed by the embassy’s photos featuring bilateral exchanges, some of which featured her family and friends and called to mind many memories. Ramika said that she attended banquets at the embassy as a child with her father and fell for China because of its cuisine.
Liu believes the current generation should preserve the friendly spirit of their predecessors and continue to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
