China welcomes substantive progress in Afghan internal talks
CGTN
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A few members of the Taliban delegation head to the opening session of the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, September 12, 2020. (Photo: AP)

China welcomed the substantive progress made in Afghan internal talks after rounds of negotiations aimed at ending decades of almost continuous war in the country, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters on Thursday.

China applauds the efforts made by the two sides in bringing peace and stability to Afghan people after years of wars and turbulence, Hua said.

We sincerely hope the two sides will comply with the public wishes, put national interests first and meet each other halfway, added Hua.

According to Hua, China is willing to work with the international community to play a constructive role in the process.

The Afghan government and Taliban representatives reached a preliminary deal on Wednesday to press on with peace talks, their first written agreement in 19 years of war and welcomed by the United States as a chance to halt the violence.

The agreement lays out the way forward for discussion but is considered a breakthrough because it will allow negotiators to move on to more substantive issues, including talks on a ceasefire, even as Taliban attacks on Afghan government forces have continued unabated.