China and Iran seek common ground on Afghanistan
- Chinese foreign minister says Beijing is looking to work with Tehran to help rebuild their war-torn neighbour
- Wang Yi accuses US of withdrawing from Afghanistan to focus more forces on China and Russia
“As Afghanistan’s neighbours, China and Iran need to strengthen communication and coordination and play a constructive role in achieving a smooth transition and peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan,” Wang was quoted by the Chinese foreign ministry as saying.
Wang repeated calls for Afghanistan to cut ties with terror groups, and build friendly relations with other nations.
Wang also accused the US of withdrawing from Afghanistan so it could “concentrate its forces on China and Russia”.
“[The US] should not try to use various means to create new problems for Afghanistan, nor should it cause new turbulence and harm [Afghanistan’s] neighbours,” he said.
02:54
Pakistan closes Chaman border with Afghanistan, stranding thousands of fleeing Afghans
China has long been wary of strengthening ties with Iran because of Tehran’s tensions with Washington but they have increased cooperation in recent years as relations have soured with the US.
On Friday, Abdollahian said Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attached great importance to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China.
He said ties between the two sides were based on strategic friendship and long partnership, and Tehran was determined to expand ties with Beijing in all fields.
Wang said the agreement was “in line with the common long-term interests” of both countries but did not elaborate.
01:44
Taliban courts China with eye on development projects in Afghanistan
Ma Haiyun, an associate professor of history at Frostburg State University in Maryland, said Afghanistan was a key part of Beijing’s goal to build transport routes and oil pipelines from Iran.
“While Central Asian countries are in Russia’s backyard and are developing relations with US, Europe, even India, going through Afghanistan is a much better option,” said Ma, who researches China’s relations with the Muslim world.
“You can directly get to Iran without crossing three or four countries.”
On Thursday, Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy director of the Taliban’s office in Doha, Qatar, said Afghanistan would continue to take part in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In a phone conversation with Chinese assistant foreign minister Wu Jianghao, Hanafi said Afghanistan hoped to have Beijing’s investment and support for reconstruction.