China’s top diplomat on maiden trip to Afghanistan

Wang Yi lands in Kabul from Pakistan, will meet senior Taliban-led interim government officials

ISTANBUL:

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday reached Afghanistan on a maiden trip to the country after the exit of US-led foreign forces last year.

The visit comes a day after Wang Yi attended the foreign ministers’ summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted by Pakistan.

An official of the Taliban-led interim government who did not wish to be named confirmed to Anadolu Agency that Wang has arrived in Kabul.

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After arriving in Kabul, Wang held a meeting with interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other officials of the Foreign Ministry.

Beijing has extended support to the Taliban administration since the fall of the US-backed Kabul administration last August. It has sent humanitarian aid and also received imports from Afghanistan.

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Earlier during negotiations between Washington and the Taliban, Wang had also hosted Taliban leaders for talks.

China has also criticised the US decision to block Afghan foreign reserves and sought the immediate return of the money to Afghanistan which is facing a humanitarian crisis.