January 20, 2025
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Storai Palace
الحمد لله رب العالمين، والصلاة والسلام على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين،
أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
{وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الإثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ..} صدق الله العظيم
Your Excellency, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, esteemed diplomats, distinguished directors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, respected university professors and students, honorable Afghan and Chinese business leaders, and all distinguished guests,
Warm greetings, best wishes, and regards to all of you.
It is a moment of immense joy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and China on this day, January 20. The bond between our two nations extends far beyond these seven decades, tracing back over 2,000 years. Historical records reveal that our ancestors traversed the Wakhan Corridor and the Pamir Mountains to reach Hotan in China’s Xinjiang region for trade, while traders from that region traveled to Afghanistan for similar purposes.
Distinguished guests,
Afg-PRC relations have journeyed through diverse historical eras, overcoming natural challenges and periods of political instability that, at times, hindered progress. When Afghanistan stood as the crossroads of ancient Asia, the Wakhan Corridor became a vital meeting point of civilizations. These early connections, fostered through the Silk Road, laid the groundwork for the diplomatic relations we honor today.
Afghanistan was among the early nations to have recognized the People’s Revolution of China at a time when such recognition was rare. Consequently, in 1955, Afghanistan became one of the first states to send its ambassador to China, while China reciprocated by appointing its ambassador in Kabul & officially opening its embassy.
During Afghanistan’s monarchical period, the two countries maintained close political engagement. However, the communist coup disrupted Afghanistan’s traditional policy of neutrality, leading to strained relations with China during that time.
Afghans are inherently resistant to foreign occupation, and this spirit was evident during the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, during which China supported Afghanistan’s jihad and its freedom fighters.
The founder of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the late IEA-Supreme leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid had provided assurance to Chinese representatives during his time that Afghanistan’s territory would never be used against China or any other neighboring country. Even now, we remain committed to honoring this pledge & reaffirm our commitment from this platform to all our neighbors that Afghan territory will never be used to cause harm to their interests in any way.
The second era of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan marks a period of laying the foundation for long-term Afg-PRC relations. Our current endeavors are focused on establishing long-term cooperation & fostering closer relations between the two nations for the future.
It is gratifying to witness the high level of diplomatic relations currently shared by Afghanistan and China. Recent exchanges, including the visit of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister to Beijing and visits to Kabul by China’s Foreign Minister and Mr. Wang Yi, Head of the Communist Party’s Foreign Affairs Department, are testament to our strengthening bond.
We extend our gratitude to China for consistently advocating for Afghanistan on international platforms and forums. As Afghanistan embarks on its journey toward sustainable peace & stability, China emerges as one of our key partners, maintaining extensive political & economic engagement with Afghanistan. Initiatives such as oil extraction in Afghanistan and the Mes Aynak copper project reflect this productive cooperation. We eagerly anticipate the day when the Wakhan Corridor transforms into a flourishing commercial and economic gateway between our nations.
We invite China and other international partners to seize the unparalleled investment opportunities in Afghanistan and to contribute to our shared growth and prosperity.
Honorable guests,
It is a juncture of great happiness that Afghanistan & China enjoy shared perspectives on numerous international issues, & this alignment serves as the foundation for robust bilateral relations in the future. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, consistent with its previous stance, reaffirms its support for the “One China” principle concerning China & Taiwan.
The Palestinian issue, recognized as a global issue, has consistently garnered the support of the Chinese government for the Palestinian state up to the present day. Such support underscores the shared vision between Afghanistan & China.
Over the past fifteen months, the Palestinian resistance, through the sacrifice of approximately 45,000 martyrs, has achieved a huge triumph in Gaza, which marks a moment of happiness. May Allah, the Almighty, accept these sacrifices. We remain hopeful for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their valuable presence.
Speech by IEA-Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs at the 70th Anniversary of Afghanistan-People’s Republic of China Diplomatic Relations
