Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid (Rear) speaks during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 7, 2021. The Taliban announced the formation of Afghanistan's caretaker government, with Mullah Hassan Akhund appointed as the acting prime minister. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chinese, Russian and Pakistani special envoys to Afghanistan highlighted that the US and its allies bear the main responsibility for the economic and social reconstruction of Afghanistan and should provide much-needed economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan during their visits to Kabul on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

At the invitation of the Afghan Taliban, Yue Xiaoyong from China, Zamir Kabulov from Russia and Mohammad Sadiq Khan from Pakistan paid a visit to Kabul and met with Afghan interim govt officials, including Mullah Hassan Akhund, the prime minister of its caretaker government, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at Wednesday's media briefing. 

They had in-depth and constructive discussions on recent developments in Afghanistan, particularly on inclusiveness, human rights, economic and humanitarian matters, friendly relations between Afghanistan and foreign countries, especially neighboring countries and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, Zhao said, noting that they had agreed on cracking down on terrorism and drug-related crimes.  

The three countries called on the international community to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, stressing that the US and its allies shoulder the primary responsibility for the economic and social reconstruction of Afghanistan and should provide much-needed economic and humanitarian assistance to the country. The three countries and the Taliban agreed to maintain constructive communication to promote peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and regional stability and development, Zhao said. 

During the visit, Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong said that China pursues a policy of non-interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs and has always played a constructive role in the political settlement of the Afghan crisis. Afghanistan should reach an open and inclusive political arrangement, implement moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, completely cut ties with various terrorist organizations and get along with neighboring countries, Zhao said. 

The Taliban officials stressed that they attach great importance to relations with China, Russia and Pakistan. The three countries have played a constructive and responsible role in consolidating peace and stability in Afghanistan, Zhao said. 

Zhao also announced that at the invitation of Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' video conference on Afghanistan on Wednesday to elaborate China's position on humanitarian assistance and peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan. 

Global Times