Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Saturday China will work closely with all parties concerned for pragmatic outcomes of the Fourth Foreign Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan slated for August in Tianjin, China.
Wang made the remarks at a press conference after meeting with his Afghan counterpart Zarar Ahmad Osmani.
In face of the upcoming presidential and provincial council elections and the withdrawal of American and NATO-led troops this year, Afghanistan is experiencing transition in political, security and economic sectors, which bring about both challenges and opportunities.
Under such circumstances, it is of great significance for the foreign ministers to meet at the conference, he said.
The Istanbul Process is the only international platform on the Afghanistan issue led by countries in region, who have connections with Afghanistan in both history and practical benefits and are willing to make contributions to realizing lasting peace in the country, Wang noted.
By hosting the Fourth Foreign Ministerial Conference, China hopes all parties will build consensus and make concerted efforts to assist Afghanistan in its transition to true and lasting peace, he said.
Wang arrived in Kabul Saturday morning for an official visit to Afghanistan at the invitation of Osmani. Afghan President Hamid Karzai will meet Wang during his stay in Afghanistan.
Source: Xinhua