by ANSAR MAHMOOD BHATTI

Chinese foreign minister says Afghanistan can be included in CPEC

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7(DNA) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has hoped the peace process between Taliban and US administration will meet with a success.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference after China, Pakistan and Afghanistan trilateral foreign minister dialogue.

He further said China is Pakistan’s close and trusted friend and relations between the two countries will further be enhanced.

FM Qureshi further said Pakistan wants peace in the region and will do its best to achieve this end.

He said Pakistan was ready to cooperate with all stakeholders in this regard.

The Chinese foreign minister further said the regional stability has faced new challenges due to some escalation in the region.

He further said it is necessary for these countries to hold this dialogue keeping view the emerging regional situation.

He added, the trilateral dialogue has rendered positive results. It will prove beneficial for the regional development.

On Afghanistan, the Chinese foreign minister said situation in Afghanistan now is at a critical stage. All stakeholder need to move positively in order to secure peace in the region.

He said Afghan led and Afghan owned dialogue was the only way to achieve peace and rebuilding in Afghanistan.

He also talked about Pakistan, Afghanistan relations and said Pakistan and Afghanistan relations hold key to regional peace and stability.

He appreciated courage and commitment of leaders of both countries in improving relations and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

He said we want to advance cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative and stand ready to extend CPEC to Afghanistan as well besides helping Afghan people in various areas.

We share the view that we need to deepen our security cooperation and counter terrorism. We have decided to step up cooperation in counter terrorism and drugs control.=DNA