Today, IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, met H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, in Kabul.
The meeting focused on the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various areas.
Describing Afg–PRC relations as steadily developing, FM Muttaqi recognized China as an important trade partner, noting that annual trade between the two countries has reached $1 billion, while expressing hope that the trade volume would rise to a significantly higher level in the near future.
To strengthen economic cooperation, FM Muttaqi presented practical proposals in the areas of transportation, banking relations & balancing trade. He also called for joint intergovernmental commissions to work together to advance economic cooperation & address technical issues.
He reaffirmed that Afghanistan’s territory will never be used against neighboring countries.
PRC-Foreign Minister Wang Yi likewise described bilateral relations as developing & emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, noting that relevant authorities are working to further increase Afghanistan’s exports to China.
Mr. Wang stated that China is interested in Afghanistan’s formal participation in the Belt & Road Initiative & expressed readiness to expand cooperation with Afghan institutions in mining exploration & extraction, indicating China’s intention to commence practical mining operations this year.
He assured that China will continue its political & economic support for Afghanistan & will work to remove obstacles facing Afghan agricultural products & other exports.
