Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi presided over a China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral foreign ministers' informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.
Peace, stability, development and cooperation represent mutual aspirations of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang said at the meeting attended by Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
"China is willing to be good neighbors who respect each other, good friends who help each other, and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win results with all neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan," Wang said.
Wang said this meeting has enhanced political, mutual trust and strengthened diplomatic ties.
"I hope to see that our trilateral ties can be promoted through this mechanism," said Muttaqi.
The meeting is also expected to contribute to regional peace and stability, fostering a favorable external environment for the development of all parties involved.
"It's a strong affirmation of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan friendship, and reaffirms a joint commitment to the vision of peaceful neighborhood, regional economic growth, global connectivity and shared prosperity," said Dar.
Amid global uncertainties, Wang said China is willing to work with Afghanistan and Pakistan to explore the potential of the trilateral cooperative mechanism, deepen mutual trust and enhance practical cooperation in security and other areas.
Wednesday's meeting also laid the groundwork for a formal meeting in Afghanistan of the foreign ministers of the three countries.
Chinese, Pakistani, Afghan FMs meet to enhance cooperation
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
