The Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Alhaj Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, convened a formal meeting with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Afghanistan, Zhao Sheng, at the Arg this morning.
The Chief of Staff extended a formal welcome to the Chinese Ambassador in Kabul, recognizing China’s enduring support for Afghanistan and its government. He underscored the longstanding and multifaceted nature of Sino-Afghan relations, emphasizing their historical depth and strategic significance.
He further elaborated that China was the first nation to officially accept the ambassadorial appointment of the Islamic Emirate and to dispatch its own diplomatic envoy to Afghanistan, a gesture that underscores the robust diplomatic engagement between the two states. He expressed optimism that the People’s Republic of China would advance toward the formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate.
Ambassador Zhao Sheng reiterated that China-Afghanistan relations have historically been characterized by mutual cooperation and have further strengthened since 2021.
He emphasized China’s continued support for Afghanistan in international organizations and multilateral forums.
The Ambassador also highlighted the expansion of bilateral trade, the growth of import-export activities, and the facilitation of travel between the two nations. Notably, in the past year, China facilitated visa services for over 11,000 Afghan nationals seeking entry into China.
Alhaj Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi referenced the reconstruction of the Chahar Chenar Palace, undertaken with Chinese collaboration, as a testament to China’s constructive role in Afghanistan’s development.
He expressed hope that China would sustain its engagement in other critical infrastructure and reconstruction initiatives as required.
Ambassador Zhao Sheng further elaborated on China’s ongoing developmental projects in Afghanistan, including electricity infrastructure in Bamyan, the construction of a hospital in Kandahar, and the implementation of an oil project in Takhar’s Amu region.
He affirmed that China holds no reservations regarding the opening of the Wakhan corridor and conveyed that, contingent upon the resolution of security concerns, further progress would be made across multiple sectors.
In conclusion, Alhaj Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s unwavering commitment to security and nationwide stability.
He asserted that, with China’s cooperation, the reopening of the Wakhan corridor would not only facilitate trade and travel between the two nations but also serve to fortify security along this vital route.