Latest News
Afghan, Chinese officials hold first virtual working meeting on bilateral ties
Afghan and Chinese officials have met virtually for their first China-Afghanistan liaison mechanism meeting, at a working level, for humanitarian assistance and economic reconstruction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said Sunday.
Hafiz Zia Ahmad, a Deputy Spokesman for MoFA, stated that the meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Mines, and the Afghan Red Crescent Society.
According to Ahmad, the two sides exchanged views on the current economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as China’s humanitarian aid to the country.
“The Chinese side announced its readiness to provide humanitarian aid to Afghans, especially in the field of medicine, food, and winter clothing. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen trade between Afghanistan and China,” Ahmad said.
In the meeting, Chinese officials said there was a good market for Afghan pine nuts and saffron.
“Practical discussions took place on the shipment of dried apricots, pomegranates, almonds, and other Afghan fruits to China.”
Chinese officials, meanwhile, stated that China was ready to invest in Afghanistan’s mines and train Afghans.
The two sides have also agreed to hold another meeting on the working mechanisms within the next two months.
An Afghan man has pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child in the United Kingdom. Najeebullah Arab appeared before a court in Oxford on May 8 and admitted to the offence, which took place in Grove in May 2024.
The 40-year-old had initially denied the charge and was expected to stand trial later this year. Court records stated that he made inappropriate comments to the child, including remarks about her appearance and requests to spend time alone with her.
Earlier this year, Arab also pleaded guilty to several other offences. These included one count of sexual assault linked to an incident in Grove on January 21.
He additionally admitted to charges of sexual assault, rape and kidnapping involving another woman on January 27. The court previously heard that he dragged a woman from an alleyway into a field during the incident.
Following the earlier hearings in March, a small group of protesters gathered outside the court building carrying flags and banners. Police officials praised the victims for coming forward and said the case reflected the strength of the evidence collected by investigators.
Arab is due to be sentenced for all offences on June 19. The court has ordered a pre-sentence report to assess whether he poses a danger to the public, while the judge ruled that he remain in custody until sentencing.
Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan says the National Archives digitized hundreds of historical documents, manuscripts and books during the 1404 solar year as part of efforts to preserve the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
According to the ministry, the National Archives digitized 741 books, 232 manuscripts, 358 decrees and one genealogy document over the past year.
The ministry also said that 830 books, 60 manuscripts and four decrees were restored and rebound during the same period.
In addition, 32 new manuscripts were handed over to the National Archives, further enriching the country’s collection of historical records.
Afghan officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving historical documents and manuscripts, many of which date back several centuries and reflect the country’s rich cultural legacy.
Two people have been killed amid protests against a poppy eradication campaign in northeastern Badakhshan province, local officials said.
Authorities said counter-narcotics forces were deployed on Friday to Atan Jalo area of Argo district to destroy poppy fields. Clashes erupted after a number of farmers and residents reportedly attempted to block the operation.
Officials said a child was killed during Friday’s unrest, while another person died on Saturday as protests and tensions continued in the area.
According to local authorities, demonstrators also temporarily blocked the Kishm–Faizabad highway, disrupting traffic for several hours before it was reopened following coordinated efforts by security officials, religious scholars, and community elders.
Officials blamed “drug traffickers and criminal groups” for inciting the unrest and said security forces have since regained control of the area.
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
IPL 206: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Meta turns off Instagram’s private messaging encryption worldwide
Afghan man pleads guilty to sexual communication with child in UK
Afghanistan National Archives digitizes hundreds of historical documents in 1404
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Etihad Airways to expand Kabul–Abu Dhabi flights to daily service amid surging demand
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
Tahawol: Pressure on Afghan refugees from Tajikistan to Europe discussed
Saar: Ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy discussed
-
Business2 days agoNew Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
-
Business4 days agoUzbekistan launches new cargo corridor linking China and Afghanistan
-
Latest News5 days agoPakistan’s Achakzai pushes for Afghanistan dialogue amid economic strain
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan presses Chinese contractor over delays in Mes Aynak copper project
-
Latest News5 days agoUNICEF report highlights progress and ongoing challenges for Afghan children
-
Regional3 days agoUS and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, Axios reports
-
Regional4 days agoIran foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart for first time since Iran war started
-
Sport1 day agoCanada to host opening ceremony for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto