China's Envoy Engages in Shuttle Diplomacy Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Amid Tensions
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Beijing, March 16 (NationPress) China expresses a desire for Afghanistan and Pakistan to maintain peace and show restraint. The objective is to engage in direct discussions promptly, attain a ceasefire swiftly, and resolve any disagreements through diplomatic means, stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday.
Lin's comments addressed inquiries concerning China's active mediation efforts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have recently experienced military confrontations.
Lin emphasized that Afghanistan and Pakistan share a long-standing neighborly relationship, asserting that conflicts between the nations can only be settled through dialogue and consultations. He highlighted the urgent need to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations as soon as possible.
In recent days, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has engaged in phone discussions with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as well as Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Lin added that the Chinese Foreign Ministry's special envoy on Afghan affairs is actively shuttling between Afghanistan and Pakistan to facilitate mediation. Furthermore, Chinese embassies in both nations are maintaining close communication with both parties, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have acknowledged and appreciated China's proactive mediation initiatives, according to Lin.
"China aspires for both nations to remain composed and exercise restraint, engage in direct dialogue at the earliest, achieve a ceasefire promptly, and resolve their differences through discussion," Lin remarked, affirming that China will continue its efforts to promote reconciliation and alleviate tensions.
On Sunday, reports indicated that two individuals lost their lives and five were injured due to cross-border attacks initiated by Pakistani forces in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province, as confirmed by provincial spokesman Mustaghfar Gurbaz.
The official detailed that Pakistani artillery targeted areas in the Gurbaz and Jaji Maidan districts on Sunday night, resulting in the fatalities and injuries. Since the onset of recent skirmishes along the border, numerous casualties have been reported on both sides, according to officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan.