Afghanistan has reached a “critical stage” as foreign troops are departing and the country’s security situation remains “uncertain”, the Chinese foreign ministry said after holding the 4th trilateral conference involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. 

The conference, held by China in virtual mode on Thursday, was aimed at increasing mutual understanding and cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Mohammed Hanif Atmar respectively, attended the meet. 

Calling the platform “important,” Atmar said that the conference was important for laying the groundwork for the Afghan peace process. He further said, “The fight against terrorism, establishing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, was discussed.”

Qureshi emphasized that the peace in Afghanistan is closely linked with the cooperation between the three close brotherly countries.

“We should, therefore, explore how our three neighborly countries can work together to deal with the evolving situation in an effective manner and steer it towards achieving our shared objective of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region,” a statement released by the Pakistan Foreign Office quoted Qureshi as saying. 

The latest peace efforts by Beijing are being seen as an attempt to seek a greater role in the country. China, too, remains concerned about the security situation as instability could lead to ungoverned spaces in the country. 

ETIM militants, comprising ethnic Uighurs from Chinese Xinjiang province, also operate in Afghanistan’s Badakshan province which borders China.  

  (SAM)