Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for immediate humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and said economic sanctions should be lifted among other suggestions to jointly bring peace to the war-torn country.
Wang made the remarks at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting on Afghanistan via video link.
G20, as a key economic cooperation platform, should play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s peace and development.
Humanitarian aid is of great urgency and the countries responsible for Afghanistan’s situation should do something to ease the difficulties of Afghans, Wang said.
China has decided to provide 200 million yuan ($31 million) of supplies, including 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.
Urging the West to lift sanctions on Afghanistan, Wang said Afghanistan’s foreign exchange reserves are national assets that belong to the country’s people and should be used by them. The reserves should not be used as a bargaining chip to exert political pressure on Afghanistan.
G20 members should help Afghanistan to ease liquidity pressure and international finance organizations should offer help in financing on poverty reduction, livelihood and infrastructure, Wang said.
Wang also called for countries to communicate with the country out of inclusiveness and support Afghans to choose a path suitable for their situation, and set up a political structure that is representative and inclusive.
Wang urged Afghanistan to fulfill its pledges and have a complete break with terrorism. He also said the international society should oppose double-standards on counter-terrorism.
Economic reconstruction is the ultimate solution to the refugee problem. The US and NATO are responsible for the refugee problem. Afghanistan should raise its inclusiveness and predictability in governance while the international society should help accelerate its reconstruction, Wang said.
China supports the UN to play a major role in maintaining peace and channeling aid to Afghanistan, Wang said, urging the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and other UN organs to fulfill their duties.
There are multiple mechanisms on Afghanistan which should work jointly to aid the country. China is willing to keep communication and coordination with relevant parties and enhance cooperation, Wang said.
Afghan people stand in line to get money at Aziz Bank in Kabul Afghanistan on September 21,2021. Photo: CFP
