On November 7, 2017, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with Special Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs Tasnim Aslam of Pakistan and Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai of Afghanistan, who were in China for the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral vice-ministerial consultation on counter-terrorism and security.

Wang Yi noted that as important forces for international counter-terrorism, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have made great contributions to international counter-terrorism campaign, particularly to the cause of counter-terrorism in South Asia. China thanks Pakistan and Afghanistan for their long-term and firm support in fighting against the East Turkistan Islamic Movement and other terrorist forces. The Chinese side is willing to continuously enhance security cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan, jointly cope with the threats and challenges of terrorism, and join hands in safeguarding regional peace and tranquility.

Wang Yi expressed that Pakistan and Afghanistan are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, sharing common destiny. The improvement of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations completely conforms to the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries. As a common friend for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, China will firmly support the two countries in improving their relations.

Appreciating China’s efforts in advancing the improvement of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting regional development and prosperity, Special Secretary Tasnim Aslam and Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai expressed the willingness to further enhance exchanges and cooperation in counter-terrorism, and resolutely combat terrorism in any form, in a bid to earnestly maintain the security and stability in these three countries as well as the region.