China, Russia call for Pakistan, Afghanistan to end cross-border hostilities

Russia urged Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday to immediately halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences by diplomatic means. China also called on the two countries to work out a ceasefire while expressing concern over the escalation of the conflict.

Russia is the only country to officially recognise the Taliban government of Afghanistan, and also has good relations with Pakistan. “Of course, the direct military clashes that have taken place do not bode well. Therefore, we hope that they will cease as soon as possible. Like everyone else, we are closely monitoring this situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov confirmed a visit to Russia by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was being prepared, without giving a date. State news agency RIA said it would happen next week. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We call on our friends Afghanistan and Pakistan to abandon this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political and diplomatic means.”

China was closely following the developments of the situation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said here. As a neighbour and friend, China was deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and deeply saddened by the casualties caused by the conflict, Mao said.

She said China supported combating all forms of terrorism and calls on both sides to exercise calm and restraint, properly resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, and realise a ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid more suffering.

The de-escalation served the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and would help uphold peace and stability in the region, she said. She said China had been mediating between the two nations through its own channels and stood ready to continue to play a constructive role in de escalating the situation and improving relations between the two countries, Mao said. In response to a question on whether China was considering evacuating its nationals and firms from Pakistan and Afghanistan, she said, “We are closely following the situation and will provide necessary assistance to our nationals in need.”