DUSHANBE, Jul 15 (NNN-XINHUA) – A meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)-Afghanistan contact group, was held here yesterday. Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, attended the meeting.
Due to the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO troops, Afghanistan, once again faces challenges, Wang said, adding, as an important member of the SCO family, the situation in Afghanistan not only concerns the fundamental interests of the Afghan people, but also directly affects the overall security and development of the region.
During his speech, Wang put forward five proposals on the Afghan issue.
The first is to prevent the U.S. from shirking its responsibility, Wang said, noting, as initiator of the Afghan issue, the United States cannot simply walk away, create more problems for the Afghan government and dump the “burden” on regional countries.
All parties should urge the U.S. to honour its commitment and increase its input, Wang stressed, adding, in particular, all parties should be vigilant against any attempt to undermine regional security and stability through the chaos in Afghanistan.
The second is to prevent the resurgence of terrorists, Wang said, adding, Afghanistan should never again become a source of terrorism or gathering place of terrorist forces.
Thirdly, the SCO should work together to boost the reconciliation process, Wang said.
Under the principle of “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned,” the SCO should continue to urge all Afghan factions to show flexibility, seek common ground, while reserving differences, and realise national reconciliation at an early date, Wang said.
The fourth is to actively strengthen multilateral coordination, Wang said, calling for safeguarding Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Fifth, SCO should continue to contribute to peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, Wang said, adding, SCO should make full use of existing cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields to support Afghanistan in enhancing its capacity for independent development and achieving genuine and sustainable development.
China will continue to fully respect sovereignty of Afghanistan and play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Afghan issue, Wang said, adding that, China is also willing to hold intra-Afghan negotiations in China, in due course.
In their speeches, other foreign ministers raised concerns about the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, due to the U.S. withdrawal, and all were wary of the resurgence of international terrorist forces in the country.
All parties called for firmly advancing political settlement of the Afghan issue, voicing their support for restoring Afghan peace, developing economy, combating terrorism and “three forces,” and establishing an inclusive political structure in Afghanistan.
They also support the SCO in playing an important role in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, and are committed to strengthening coordination and cooperation at regional and international levels, to promote lasting peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan.– NNN-XINHUA
