Pakistan, China and US back Afghanistan’s peace process

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - Reiterating their support for Afghanistan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, Pakistan, China and United States have affirmed full support to the democratically elected National Unity Government of Afghanistan.

During a quadrilateral (2+2) meeting held in Pakistani capital on Thursday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Deputy Secretary of State Antony J Blinken led their respective delegations.



The meeting was held on sidelines of the Fifth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference.

Read: Heart of Asia countries reaffirm respect for each other’s sovereignty

It was agreed between the countries that authority of the Afghan State and the legitimacy of Afghanistan’s constitution must be fully respected by the international community.



The meeting agreed to work together to enhance mutual trust and confidence between Afghanistan and Pakistan to create an enabling environment for peace talks and broadening political, economic and security cooperation.

Read more: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani meets Army Chief Raheel Sharif

They expressed full commitment to enabling an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process that promotes a dialogue between the Afghan government and Taliban groups, including on reduction and renunciation of violence.



It was also agreed that reconciliation remains the most viable option to end violence and promote stability in Afghanistan and the region. All four countries agreed to work together to create a conducive atmosphere that encourages Taliban groups to engage in meaningful and sustained negotiations.