Beijing/Islamabad (HRNW)- China has said that the peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are progressing in a stable and positive manner, and both countries attach importance to China’s mediation and welcome it.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing that Pakistan and Afghanistan are ready to sit down at the negotiating table again, which is an encouraging development for peace and stability in the region. She said that China is in close contact with both sides and is providing a platform to create favorable conditions.
The spokesperson did not give details of the venue of the talks, however, Pakistan and Afghanistan have previously confirmed that the talks are taking place in the northwestern city of Urumqi. It should be noted that China’s western border is shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan and Beijing is trying to mediate between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, while giving a statement on social media platform X, said that Pakistan seeks clear, verifiable and written assurances from Afghanistan for real progress in relations. He said that verbal promises have proven insufficient in the past, as evidenced by the 2021 Doha Agreement, which the TTA has neither adhered to in letter nor in spirit.
Earlier in the weekly news briefing, Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan had sent a delegation to the Urumqi talks in line with its consistent position. He said that the onus now lies on Afghanistan to address Pakistan’s concerns and take effective action against terrorist groups.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson clarified that the talks in Urumqi are at a working level and Pakistan carries out all its operations with utmost caution and responsibility, ensuring that no civilians are harmed.
He further said that the Pakistani delegation is still busy in China. After the delegation’s return, a clear picture of the progress made in the negotiations will emerge, on which more information will be released at the appropriate time.
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