China’s FM urges IEA to ensure safety of Chinese nationals over ‘New Year’

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Afghanistan over the Chinese New Year.

According to China’s CGTN, Qin made the remarks during a phone conversation with IEA’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday.

Qin said that China attaches great importance to developing good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation with Afghanistan and respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, CGTN reported.

Qin also said that China supports Afghanistan in efforts to establish a broadly based and inclusive political structure, to follow moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, combat all types of terrorist forces and live on friendly terms with other countries, especially its neighbors.

Qin Gang also told Muttaqi that at the right time, the two foreign ministers will have a face-to-face meeting.

Muttaqi said that the IEA welcomes China to play a more important role in international and regional affairs, he said, adding it is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with China, CGTN reported.

He also said the IEA will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese and institutions in Afghanistan.