No use of Afghanistan territory to endanger China: Afghan top diplomat tells Beijing
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing
ANKARA
Afghanistan reaffirmed Wednesday its commitment to prevent any force from using its territory to engage in activities that could endanger neighboring countries, including China, according to a spokesman.
The assurance was conveyed by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
Muttaqi expressed Afghanistan’s willingness to strengthen security cooperation with China, combat violent crimes, safeguard China's interests in Afghanistan and jointly maintain regional security and stability, according to Hafiz Zia Ahmad, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry.
Pledging Afghanistan’s continued adherence to the one-China principle and opposition to interference in China's internal affairs, Muttaqi said Kabul attaches great importance to its friendship with Beijing.
Wang, in response, said Beijing would continue to support the interim Afghan government in "resolutely combating terrorism, and achieving long-term peace and stability at an early date," according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
Beijing, he added, respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the independent choice made by the Afghan people.
"China also never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never seeks personal gains in Afghanistan, and never seeks a sphere of influence," he added.
Wang said his country will expand cooperation with Afghanistan in trade, agriculture, energy and mining, poverty reduction, disaster prevention and reduction, talent training, health care, law enforcement and security.
*Writing by Aamir Latif
