China, Afghanistan hold talks on mining, Belt and Road participation

KABUL - China told Afghanistan on Aug 20 that Beijing was keen on exploring and mining minerals in Afghanistan, and wanted Kabul to formally join its Belt and Road Initiative, said the Afghan Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Kabul and held talks with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ministry said in a statement, adding that both countries wanted to expand cooperation in a range of areas.

Beijing will continue to support the Afghan government to achieve long-term peace and stability, Mr Wang told Mr Muttaqi, according to a read-out of the meeting released by China’s Foreign Ministry.

China was willing to deepen mutual political trust with Afghanistan and step up cooperation in areas including trade and agriculture, Mr Wang said.

He called on Taliban-run Afghanistan to combat militant forces, adding that tighter security ties would provide a guarantee for bilateral economic cooperation.

“Mr Wang Yi also mentioned that China intends to initiate practical mining activities this year,” the Afghan statement said.

In a separate meeting with Afghan Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Mr Wang said “China will continue to uphold justice, oppose unilateral bullying, and engage in cooperation in various fields with Afghanistan”.

Mr Wang urged Mr Akhund’s government to take seriously Chinese concerns over “terrorist forces” and step up efforts to combat them, according to a read-out of the meeting from Mr Wang’s ministry.

China was the first country to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan under the Taliban, and has sought to develop ties with the hardline Islamist group that took control of the war-torn country in 2021.

Afghanistan, an impoverished country, rich in lithium, copper and iron deposits, could offer a wealth of mineral resources to boost Beijing’s supply chain security, analysts say. REUTERS