Practical work on the Mes Aynak Copper mine project in Logar was inaugurated today (Wednesday, July 24) with the presence of officials from the Islamic Emirate and China.

Hedayatullah Badri, acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, said at the ceremony that the contracting company is obligated to carry out its work based on the contract.

Badri said: "Mes Aynak Copper is the largest copper mine in the country and the second largest in the world. The contract for this mine was signed with MCC in 2008 during the previous government, but practical work did not begin due to various issues."

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs, said the Mes Aynak Copper project is an important project for the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said: "In terms of security, we assure those residing in Afghanistan and every investor investing in Afghanistan."

Zhao Xing, the Chinese ambassador in Kabul, said at the ceremony that economic relations between Kabul and Beijing are expanding. According to him, China is working in coordination with the United Nations and several other countries for Afghanistan's stability and progress.

Xing added that trade worth one billion dollars was conducted between Afghanistan and China last year.

Zhao Xing said: "The start of the Mes Aynak Copper road construction is very important in implementing future plans for this project and facilitates the excavation route, which is a significant step in the Mes Aynak Copper Project."

Meanwhile, Khairullah Khairkhwa, the acting Minister of Information and Culture, emphasized the importance of protecting ancient artifacts during the excavation of this mine.

Khairullah Khairkhwa said: "The Islamic Emirate has made tireless efforts in this regard to both protect historical artifacts and utilize our mines for the benefit of the people."

China Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Li Qun said at the ceremony: "The Mes Aynak Copper area has a historical background and holds special value in tourism, handicrafts, cultural development, and the Silk Road. I appreciate the Afghan government for protecting historical monuments and striving to preserve the artifacts of Mes Aynak at the governmental and global levels. I believe that cultural cooperation between Afghanistan and China can enhance global culture and strengthen relations between the two countries."