Chinese envoy sets out common agenda

China offers to play role for smooth transition of US forces from Afghanistan in 2014.

ISLAMABAD:

China has offered to play a role for the smooth transition of US forces from Afghanistan in 2014, but insisted that the interests of neighbouring states should not be overlooked.

“We will see a change in Afghanistan in 2014 and are hopeful for stability,” Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong told the media on Monday. He called for maximum support from the international community to make the transition a success.

Responding to a question, he said that China respects what the people of Afghanistan would choose for themselves and that the reconciliation process should be led and owned by the Afghans.

While referring to the Pakistan-China relationship, Sun said: “We should enhance cooperation in regional and international affairs. The two countries should push forward the Afghanistan peace process, support the Saarc cooperative process, maintain regional peace and promote common development.”

The ambassador said “Within the first three quarters of 2013, our trade volume reached $10.5 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 16.14%.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2013.