Calls for orderly withdrawal of troops
Beijing: China on Monday welcomed the landmark US-Taliban deal and called for “orderly and responsible” withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan to avoid a security vacuum and prevent the terrorist groups from getting stronger in the war-torn country.
After 18 years of war, the US and the Taliban signed the peace deal in Doha on Saturday to facilitate intra-Afghan dialogue in Oslo this month and the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan in 14 months.
“China welcomes the signing of the deal between the US and the Afghan Taliban. We think it is important to the political settlement of the Afghan issue,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Monday replying to a question over the US-Taliban deal.
“We hope taking this as an opportunity, the seed of peace can grow and prosper in Afghanistan. Foreign troops in Afghanistan should withdraw in an orderly and responsible manner to ensure a smooth transition and avoid a security vacuum especially to prevent the terrorist groups from growing stronger in Afghanistan,” he said.
In the meantime, the international community should continue to support and participate in the peaceful reconstruction process in Afghanistan, he said.
“We call on the Taliban and all parties in Afghanistan to seize the opportunity and start inter-Afghan talks as soon as possible to discuss political and security arrangements acceptable to all and make joint efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said.
He said that China will continue to work with the international community to support and help the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. (PTI)
