The foreign ministers' conference on the Istanbul Process is the first large international conference sponsored by China on reconstruction in Afghanistan and also the first international conference held after the formation of Afghanistan's new government. The Chinese side hopes the new government can lead its people toward peace, stability and development during the political, security and economic transitions the nation is undergoing. It is also China's hope that the multilateral meeting can promote enhanced regional cooperation and jointly contribute to the security and stability of the ravaged country and the region.

www.people.com.con, Oct 31

The Beijing Declaration passed by the foreign ministers' meeting carries commitments to and anticipations for Afghanistan from regional countries and the international community. Consensuses reached at the conference, such as the agreement to support the new government's efforts to ensure a smooth transition and peaceful reconstruction, and its efforts to promote political reconciliation among various factions will help bring the country back onto a normal development track. The 64 prioritized cooperation projects confirmed at the meeting will also enable Kabul to pursue a development path suitable for its national conditions and realize a real society ruled by Afghans themselves.

www.xinhuanet.con, Oct 31

A large batch of cooperation projects clinched at the Beijing conference that are desperately needed for Afghanistan's reconstruction will inject vigor into the Istanbul Process. That foreign ministers and senior representatives from all the members of the Istanbul Process, its supporting parties and the host nation gathered in Beijing has created a historical record in both the extent and level of the event.

www.cnr.cn, Nov 1

The United States welcomed China's growing role in trying to ensure Afghanistan's stability and said that as Western troops pull out the Beijing conference shows its commitment to the region. The comments, made by a senior State Department official, are rare US praise for Beijing, which hosted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on his first visit abroad since assuming office in September.

Reuters, Oct 30

(China Daily USA 11/03/2014 page12)