China pledges cooperation with Afghanistan, Pakistan

China will work with Afghanistan and Pakistan to push forward substantial trilateral cooperation, vowed a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday, following the conclusion of a dialogue between the three countries. The two-day third round of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral dialogue closed in Kabul on Tuesday. The three sides had in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Afghanistan and the region, agreeing to boost their joint work. "The trilateral dialogue is a helpful attempt at enhancing communication and coordination among the three countries in response to the rapid change of regional circumstances," said spokesman Hong Lei. He noted that the next round of the dialogue will be held in China. According to Hong, the three countries agreed to maintain cooperation on safeguarding the security of Afghanistan and the region. Both China and Pakistan reiterated that they support the"Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" reconciliation process, and the efforts of the Afghanistan High Peace Council in this regard, he said. During the talks, the three sides agreed to further cooperate in anti-terrorism, drug control and personnel exchange. Afghanistan and Pakistan welcomed China's proposals to invite parliamentarian and media representatives from the two countries to visit China in 2014. The three countries also voiced support for the role played by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for peace and stability in the region. Afghanistan and Pakistan welcomed China's readiness to host the next Ministers Meeting of the Istanbul Process in 2014, according to Hong. The first round of the trilateral dialogue was held on February 28 and 29, 2012 in Beijing. The second took place on November 29, 2012 in Islamabad.