The First Round of China-Pakistan Consultation on Regional Situation including Afghanistan held in Beijing

(2013-01-23)

China and Pakistan launched the bilateral consultation mechanism on regional situation including Afghanistan and held the first round of consultation in Beijing on 21 January. The consultation was co-chaired by Ambassador Luo Zhaohul, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, Director General of the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan. H.E. Mr. Zhang Zhijun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, met with the Pakistani delegation.

The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on regional situation and Afghanistan. The two sides agreed that the Afghanistan issue concerns regional security and stability, and the consultation between China and Pakistan as all-weather strategic partners on this issue helps the two countries to coordinate positions and deepen cooperation, and contributes to early settlement of the issue. The two sides reiterated their support for the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” reconciliation process and their commitment to working with regional countries and the international community to help Afghanistan achieve its objectives of peace, stability, progress and prosperity. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of consultation on regional situation including Afghanistan in Islamabad.

Islamabad
23 January 2013

022/2013