Facilitating peace and economic development in Afghanistan remains in focus: FM

China will keep playing a positive and constructive role in facilitating peace and economic development in Afghanistan, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang told a news briefing that he hoped the country can return to normality after the signing of the peace deal between the US and the Taliban in February. Wang said the US side should withdraw its military responsibly to avoid damaging the interests of Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

There is also a need for stronger counter-terrorism efforts in the region, and to improve international ties between Afghanistan with neighboring countries, so more support and collaborations can be mustered to facilitate Afghanistan's peace-building process.

"China will stand with the people of Afghanistan and play a positive and constructive role in their country's peace and economic development, as well as taking part in regional cooperation efforts," he said.