Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
Mao Ning told a regular press briefing that members of the three delegations were from their countries’ departments of foreign affairs, defense and security.
They had candid and pragmatic discussions in a good atmosphere, following a problem-focused, result-oriented, and action-driven approach, said Mao.
She said China had noted and summarized the outcomes and common understandings achieved through intensive bilateral and trilateral meetings over the past week.
The Afghan and Pakistani sides reaffirmed that the two countries are Muslim brothers and close neighbors, Mao said. The three parties recognized that due to complex and turbulent international and regional situations, maintaining good-neighborly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is crucial for the well-being of their peoples and for peace and stability in South Asia.
The three parties underscored that dialogue and consultation represent a realistic and effective approach to resolving complex international disputes, including the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the spokesperson.
They agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to address issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, identifying both core and priority concerns.
China emphasized that terrorism is a core issue affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, Mao said. The three parties acknowledged the substantive significance of the Urumqi process and agreed to maintain communication and dialogue on this matter, she added.
Meanwhile, China welcomed the announcement by relevant parties of reaching a ceasefire arrangement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, expressing support for mediation efforts made by countries such as Pakistan.
Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, less than two hours before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump and will now hold negotiations in Pakistan.
China has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire and the resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic means, aiming to ultimately achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Mao said, adding that China has also made its own efforts in this regard.
In response to a question, Mao Ning said, “Just now I have outlined the work done by China. We have been actively promoting peace talks and promoting the cessation of the fighting.”