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China offers to mediate in Afghanistan
February 13, 2015, 4:15 am

Afghan national army soldiers take part in a training at an army training center in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 28, 2015 [Xinhua]

Afghan national army soldiers take part in a training at an army training center in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 28, 2015 [Xinhua]

As Washington reshapes its military footprint in Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China is ready to play the role of a mediator if required by the different warring factions in the war-ravaged country.

“China is ready to play its constructive role and will provide necessary facilitation at any time if it is required by various parties in Afghanistan. We will support the Afghan government in realising reconciliation with various political factions including the Taliban,” said Wang signaling a foreign policy shift.

Wang, who is visiting Pakistan, said with the withdrawal of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, Afghanistan has entered an important period of transition.

China has pledged $327 million in economic aid to Kabul through 2017 and is exploring way to strengthen Afghan forces ahead of a NATO pullout.

The Foreign Minister said China believes it’s time to end the conflict.

The US had invaded Afghanistan in 2001 with the stated aim of toppling the Taliban.

 

Source: Agencies