Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning

In line with the consensus reached during earlier interactions between Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, representatives from China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan held a week-long series of informal meetings in Urumqi, Xinjiang, from April 1 to 7, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

The delegations consisted of cross-sector officials from foreign affairs, defense, and security agencies. The discussions were candid and pragmatic, conducted in a positive atmosphere, and reflected a problem-oriented, results-oriented, and action-oriented approach, Mao said. 

The Afghan and Pakistani delegations highly commended the Global Security Initiative and a model of security for Asia proposed by President Xi Jinping, particularly the important principles of seeking common ground while reserving differences, treating each other as equals, and resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation. Both sides expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude for China's mediation efforts and its thoughtful arrangements as host, noting that China has acted with fairness, impartiality, and dedication.

Afghanistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, to resolve differences as soon as possible and to bring bilateral relations back onto a positive track, the spokesperson said. 

They agreed to refrain from actions that could escalate or complicate the situation. China stated that it will continue to maintain communication with both sides, provide a platform for dialogue, and play a constructive role in promoting the improvement and development of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations as well as enhancing practical trilateral cooperation, Mao noted. 

Through seven days of intensive bilateral and trilateral meetings, China has noted and summarized the following points and consensus: Afghanistan and Pakistan reiterated that they are Muslim brothers and close neighbors. All three parties agreed that, amid the current complex and turbulent international and regional situation, maintaining good-neighborly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is crucial for the peoples of both countries and for peace and stability in South Asia, the spokesperson said. 

The three sides emphasized that dialogue and consultation are realistic and effective means to resolve complex international disputes, including those between Afghanistan and Pakistan. They agreed to explore a comprehensive approach to addressing issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and identified the core issues and those requiring priority attention.

The Chinese side emphasized that terrorism is the core issue affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. All three parties agreed that the Urumqi process is of substantive significance and expressed their willingness to maintain communication and dialogue going forward, Mao noted.