Representatives from China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday.
Mao told a regular press briefing that members of the three delegations came from their countries’ foreign affairs, defense, and security departments.
She said the discussions were candid and pragmatic, conducted in a good atmosphere following a problem-focused, result-oriented, and action-driven approach.
China noted and summarized the outcomes and common understandings achieved through intensive bilateral and trilateral meetings over the past week, Mao added.
The Afghan and Pakistani sides reaffirmed that the two countries are Muslim brothers and close neighbors.
The three parties recognized that, given the complex and turbulent international and regional situation, maintaining good-neighborly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is crucial for the well-being of their peoples and for peace and stability in South Asia.
They also underscored that dialogue and consultation represent a realistic and effective approach to resolving complex international disputes, including differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The parties agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to address issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, identifying both core and priority concerns. China emphasized that terrorism remains a core issue affecting bilateral ties.
The three parties acknowledged the substantive significance of the Urumqi process and agreed to maintain communication and dialogue on this matter, Mao concluded.