China, Britain issue statement on Afghanistan in London

China and the United Kingdom (UK) issued a statement on Afghanistan Wednesday at the 8th China-UK Strategic Dialogue held in London, saying that the two countries remain committed to their long-term support for the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its people.

"The future security and stability of Afghanistan are of vital concern to us, and we will continue to work closely together and with the international community to achieve a prosperous future for Afghanistan," the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led political settlement to the Afghan conflict. As members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, China and the UK would continue to support international efforts to assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in bringing safety and security to Afghanistan.

The two countries expressed sympathy with the Afghan victims of the conflict and remain deeply concerned over the increase in civilian casualties.

The two sides also paid tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the international community, including the UN-mandated international security forces, for the peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Both sides, along with the government of Afghanistan, agreed to establish trilateral cooperation. On infrastructure development, "we plan to bring together Afghan, British and Chinese expertise to support the development of Afghan institutions and improve delivery of much-needed infrastructure," the statement said.

"We will continue to work with each other and Afghanistan's regional partners, including the Heart of Asia -- Istanbul process, to help develop the economy, improve the security situation and implement the ambitious reform program being led by the Government of Afghanistan," the statement added.

According to the statement, both countries will also work closely together to prevent the flow of weapons and support to all terrorists, violent and extremist groups. China and the UK condemn terrorist acts against civilians, diplomatic missions and humanitarian and development workers.

"Such attacks are against the interests of Afghanistan and its people. Both our countries face threats from terrorism and have a shared interest in helping the Government of Afghanistan deal with the threat of international terrorists operating within its borders," the statement said.

Besides, the statement also mentioned that both sides recognize that humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are increasing. In particular, the rising numbers of internally displaced persons and Afghans returning from Pakistan and Iran will require immediate humanitarian assistance, as well as longer-term development support to integrate effectively.

"China and the UK are committed to working with humanitarian agencies to meet urgent, life-saving needs of the most vulnerable across Afghanistan," the statement said. Endi