The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi paid a surprise visit to Kabul on Thursday-- the first time since the Islamic Emirate swept into power in August 2021.
Political, economic, transit and investment issues are said to be the main factors of the Chinese minister's visit.
A Russian delegation also arrived in Kabul on Thursday to discuss a range of issues with the Afghan officials.
The Chinese FM met with the first deputy prime minister, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and the acting minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
“The Foreign Ministers met in Storai Palace-MoFA to discuss political, economic and transit issues, air corridor, dried fruit export, educational scholarships, visa issuance, commencing work in the mines sector, Afghanistan’s role in BRI and other matters of significance,” MoFA’s Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.
The Chinese foreign minister in a meeting with first Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar expressed China's readiness to invest in mining and economic projects and to resume work at the Mes Aynak copper mine, Mullah Baradar's office said.
Analysts said China is pursuing its own interests in Afghanistan.
“China came toward Afghanistan for its own interests. But unless it is not assured the government is inclusive and others are part of the government, it will not recognize Afghanistan,” said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst.
“China has been a good market for Afghanistan agriculture products, especially dry fruits. An extension of Afghanistan’s economic relations can help the Afghanistan economy and management of the crisis,’ said Shabir Bashiri, a political analyst.
A delegation of the Russian Federation, led by Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, arrived in Kabul on the same day.
Kabulov also held talks with Mullah Baradar and Muttaqi to discusses biliteral relations and extension of ties between the Kabul and Moscow.
“The Russian delegation was comprised of several officials from several ministries. The delegation said Russia can help Afghanistan in some economic projects,” said Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
Although many top officials of foreign countries have visited Afghanistan, the current Afghan government has yet to be recognized.
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