The international community should maintain engagement with the Afghan interim government and step up humanitarian assistance to support the country's recovery, said Geng Shuang, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council open briefing on the situation in Afghanistan on Monday.
He said the country's overall situation remains stable, with progress seen in several areas.
"The overall situation in Afghanistan remains stable. The Afghan interim government has made positive efforts and made much progress in economic development, improving people’s livelihood, combating narcotics, and external exchanges. However, the country is still facing multiple challenges, including humanitarian situation, development, human rights, terrorist threats, and women’s rights. The international community should continue to play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan emerge from its difficult situation at an early date," Geng said.
To address these issues in the war-torn country, Geng put forward a series of proposals.
"Efforts should be made to sustain the momentum of of dialogue and engagement with the Afghan interim government and constantly enhance mutual understanding and trust. More humanitarian aid should be delivered to Afghanistan so as to translate concern for the Afghan people into real action. It is necessary to provide assistance to Afghanistan's economic reconstruction and help it embark on a path of independent development at an early date. Relevant countries should immediately lift illegal unilateral sanctions on Afghanistan and unconditionally return its overseas assets to the country, so as to create necessary conditions for its economic and social development. Efforts should be made to resolutely combat terrorism and prevent Afghanistan from falling into a hub for terrorist groups once again, while helping it develop economy, improve livelihood, protect human rights, and eliminate the root causes of terrorism," Geng said.
He also stressed that China supports the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in continuing to serve as a bridge for exchanges and cooperation with the Afghan authorities, and stands ready to contribute further to Afghanistan's sustained peace, stability and reintegration into the international community.
Earlier in the session, senior UN officials briefed the Security Council on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Monday's meeting marked the Security Council's regular quarterly session on Afghanistan, with discussions covering a wide range of political, human rights, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges facing the country.
China urges continued dialogue with Afghan interim government at UNSC meeting
