Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to their differences, after concluding a week-long informal meeting in China's Urumqi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
Mao told a regular press briefing that representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from April 1 to 7, with attendees consisting of diplomats, defense and security officials from the three countries.
The attendees had candid and pragmatic discussions in a good atmosphere, following a problem-focused, result-oriented, and action-driven approach, said Mao.
"The Afghan and Pakistani delegations highly praised the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and the security model for Asia, especially the principles of seeking common ground while shelving differences, treating each other as equals, and resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation," Mao said.
She said that both sides expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for China's mediation efforts and thoughtful arrangements as host, describing China as fair, impartial and dedicated.
"Afghanistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to resolving differences as soon as possible and improving bilateral relations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. They also agreed not to take actions that would escalate or complicate the situation," said Mao.
China will continue to stay in communication with both sides, provide a platform for dialogue, and play a constructive role in improving and developing Afghanistan-Pakistan relations as well as advancing practical trilateral cooperation, she said.
Mao said China had taken note of the outcomes of the meeting and summarized the following understanding reached by the three sides after seven days of intensive bilateral and trilateral meetings.
"Afghanistan and Pakistan reaffirmed that they are Muslim brothers and close neighbors, while all three sides agreed that, amid a turbulent international and regional landscape, maintaining good-neighborly and friendly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is vital to the peoples of both countries and to peace and stability in South Asia," said Mao.
The three sides stressed that dialogue and consultation are a realistic and effective way to resolve complex international disputes, including the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The three sides also agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the problems affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, and identified core and priority matters to be addressed.
"China emphasized that terrorism is the core issue affecting ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan. All three sides agreed that the Urumqi process is of substantive significance and would continue communication and dialogue on the matter," said Mao.
Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to seek comprehensive solution to differences: spokeswoman
