China, Russia hail Pak-Afghan ceasefire

China and Russia have hailed the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan mediated by Qatar and Türkiye.

China welcomes ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan and commends relevant countries for their contribution, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

Both the countries are China's traditional friendly neighbours, Jiakun said, adding that the two nations will always be each other's neighbours, while responding to a question during his regular briefing.

"We hope from the bottom of our heart that the two countries will continue to properly handle their differences through dialogue and consultation, realise a full and lasting ceasefire, and jointly maintain peace and stability in both countries and the wider region," he noted.

Jiakun maintained that the Chinese side also support their effort to that end. Together with the international community, China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role for the improvement and development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, he said.

Meanwhile, Russia on Monday welcomed a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan mediated by Qatar and Türkiye.

"We welcome the agreement on a mutual ceasefire along the Afghan-Pakistani border, achieved between Kabul and Islamabad with the mediation of the Qatari and Turkish authorities," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

Zakharova argued that Islamabad and Kabul's intention to engage in dialogue and resolve their disagreements through diplomatic means "forms the basis for maintaining peace between the two countries, which are friendly to us, and serves as an important factor in ensuring regional security."

"We call on Kabul and Islamabad to expand their cooperation, including in countering terrorism," Zakharova added.