China and Russia must protect their legitimate interests in Afghanistan, provide mutual support to each other and help the Taliban (banned in Russia) to take responsibility for the security of Russian and Chinese institutions in the country, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"The situation in Afghanistan has changed drastically. <...> In the new situation, China and Russia need to strengthen strategic ties and cooperation," the Chinese Foreign Ministry website quoted him as saying on Tuesday. "First, to protect the legitimate interests of the PRC and Russia in Afghanistan, to communicate on the situation in a timely manner, to provide mutual support to each other, to help the Taliban to take responsibility, to properly ensure the security of citizens, institutions and organizations of Russia and China in Afghanistan," the PRC Foreign Ministry website quoted him as saying on Tuesday.
Wang Yi also noted that the new political regime in Afghanistan should draw a clear line with various international terrorist forces and contain and fight terrorist forces, so that Afghanistan does not once again become "a gathering place for terrorist and extremist forces." In addition, the foreign minister believes that China and Russia need to convince the Taliban to pursue a peaceful and friendly foreign policy as well as a moderate and restrained religious policy.
"It is necessary to encourage the Taliban to pursue a moderate and restrained religious policy, work with all parties to form an open and inclusive political structure, adhere to a peaceful and friendly foreign policy, especially to coexist peacefully with neighboring countries, and facilitate the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," Wang Yi said.
He noted that attempts by some forces in the West to "drive a wedge" between China and Russia will never succeed. "Some forces in the West are trying to drive a wedge between our countries. Such actions will never succeed," the Chinese foreign minister said.
"The two sides should continue to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen mutual political trust, and develop back-to-back strategic cooperation," Wang Yi pointed out. According to him, "China and Russia are truly reliable, trustworthy and steadfast strategic partners for each other."
Taliban fighters entered Kabul without fighting on August 15 and took complete control of the city within hours. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he resigned to avoid bloodshed and left the country. Western countries evacuate their citizens and embassy personnel.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS