China and Taliban Hold First High-Level Talks in Qatar After Afghan Ceasefire

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] China will hold its first high-level talks with the Taliban interim government, which has regained control of Afghanistan.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 25th that Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of foreign affairs, will visit Doha, Qatar from the 25th to 26th to meet with the Taliban interim government delegation. This meeting marks the first high-level talks between the two sides since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and established the interim government.

Spokesperson Wang said, "The agreement between China and the Afghan Taliban interim government to meet is a continuation of historic exchanges such as the Tianjin meeting," adding, "The two sides will have in-depth exchanges of views on the situation in Afghanistan and matters of mutual interest." China has so far urged the international community to support Afghanistan and called for the lifting of sanctions.

Earlier, the Taliban held their first high-level face-to-face talks with the United States in Doha, Qatar on the 9th and 10th. While reaching some agreements on key issues such as humanitarian aid, the United States secured a promise from the Taliban to curb the spread of terrorism from Afghan territory.