The presidents of China and Iran together called for an end to restrictions on women’s work and education in Afghanistan.

The statement was made at the end of a visit to Beijing by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during which he discussed various issues with Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China.

“The two sides ... called on the Afghan rulers to form an inclusive government in which all ethnic groups and political groups actually participate, and cancel all discriminatory measures against women, ethnic minorities and other religions,” the statement said, according to the Associated Press, adding that the US and its NATO allies “should be responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan.”

The Japan ambassador in Kabul, Takashi Okada, met with the acting Minister of Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, and discussed the situation of higher education as well as Afghanistan external relations, the Japan embassy said on Twitter.

“They agreed on the importance of education for everyone,” the embassy said. “Amb. Okada particularly stressed the need to reopen universities to girls, which is a wish of AFG people.”

“Regarding assistance for higher education, ambassador Okada explained there can be more scope for international cooperation. when governance in AFG improves and so does AFG's relations with the world,” the embassy said.

The Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the “ministry of education and higher education are responsible to make progress in this regard.”

This comes as female students at universities called on the caretaker government to reopen the universities.

“Afghanistan stands at a point where women should not be facing closed doors of universities and schools,” said Manizha, a student.

“The doors of the schools, universities and educational centers should be reopened soon because the world countries are developing via knowledge,” said Ziba, a student.

Raisi calls for end of restrictions on women's education and work in Afghanistan at a time, while Tehran has been criticized for imposition of restrictions on women's freedom and human rights. 

The ban on female access to higher education and work at NGOs has faced widespread reactions inside and outside Afghanistan.