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A convoy of Taliban fighters patrols along a street in Kabul, September 2, 2021. /CFP
China has reiterated its respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan in talks between officials of the two nations.
Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao spoke by phone to Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy head of the Taliban's political office in Qatar, on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said.
In his remarks to Hanafi, Wu said Afghanistan had gone through fundamental changes and its people had once again taken control of the country's destiny.
He hailed the thousand-year-old friendship between the neighbors and stressed that China always respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and is committed to friendly relations with the Afghan people.
He hoped Afghanistan would restore peace and stability and rebuild the country as soon as possible.
Hanafi, for his part, highlighted the Taliban's determination to continue developing bilateral friendly relations, calling China a reliable friend.
He reassured Wu that the Taliban would take effective actions to avoid any forces threatening China's national interests on Afghan territory and pledged to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions.
Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is beneficial to national and regional development and prosperity, Hanafi extended Afghan's willingness to continue supporting and participating in the Initiative.
