China appreciates determination to advance Afghanistan peace process

China on Wednesday voiced appreciation for the flexibility and common will shown at a recent meeting to advance the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing that China has a positive appraisal of the meeting and believes it will help promote the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Taliban and government held a meeting in the scenic city of Murree, Pakistan on Tuesday. The talks were the first direct contact between the two sides since President Ashraf Ghani assumed office last September. Representatives from China and the United States participated in the meeting.

At the meeting, the Taliban and the government agreed to continue talks to create an environment conducive to peace and the reconciliation process, according to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.

The two sides exchanged views on ways and channels to realize peace and reconciliation in the country and admitted the need to develop trust-building measures.

The two sides also agreed to hold the next meeting at a mutually convenient date after Ramadan.

Hua said China is ready to continue to cooperate closely with all relevant parties and play a constructive role in achieving universal and inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

She said China has always supported a reconciliation process by the Afghan people and of the Afghan people. She said China encourages and supports the Afghan government to carry out peace talks with the Taliban, adding that China has maintained close contact with all relevant parties on the matter. Endi