Backing sought for Afghanistan's development

China on Monday called for continued international engagement with Afghanistan and greater support for the country's humanitarian and development needs, as the UN Security Council reviewed the situation in the country.

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong said Afghanistan faces ongoing challenges in humanitarian assistance, economic development and counterterrorism despite an overall stable security situation.

China called for maintaining the momentum of pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan, said Fu. He noted that growing exchanges and cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community, particularly neighboring countries, have contributed to regional stability and economic development.

The envoy urged all parties to maintain dialogue and engagement with the Afghan authorities, narrow differences and build consensus.

Fu called for greater efforts to improve living conditions in Afghanistan, where nearly half of the population remains in need of humanitarian assistance. "Traditional donors should increase support for Afghanistan, and countries bearing historical responsibilities should take the lead," he said.

China also urged relevant countries to return Afghanistan's overseas assets in full, lift unilateral sanctions and support the rebuilding of the country's financial system, said Fu.

On basic human rights, Fu said China is concerned about restrictions on girls' education and called on the Afghan authorities to take positive measures to ensure girls' access to education and better protect women's rights to employment, healthcare, public services and social participation.

China also called for the removal of restrictions preventing Afghan female staff members from working in UN offices, saying such measures have seriously affected the operations of UN agencies in the country.

The envoy also noted China's efforts to help ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. According to Fu, the meeting reached a consensus on maintaining good-neighborly relations, enhancing dialogue and exploring comprehensive solutions.

He reiterated China's support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, whose mandate expires later this month.