Beijing Holds Conference on Afghanistan | WPN World People News

China is hosting an international conference on Afghanistan's security and re-construction, highlighting China's growing role in Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO forces depart.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani attended the opening ceremony of the ministerial conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in Beijing Friday.

China has pledged $82 million in aid this year, with another $245 million over the next few years for educational opportunities.

“China has decided to provide this year, 500 million yuan (US$82 million) of non-reimbursable assistance. In the next three years, it will provide non-reimbursable assistance for 1.5 billion yuan (US$245 million). In the upcoming five years, China will provide help to train 3,000 people of all circles and provide 500 scholarships for students,” said Li.

The Chinese premier urged Afghanistan's neighbors to be supportive as Afghanistan tries to solves its security and stability issues.

"We think that the Afghan issue has to be solved by the people of Afghanistan. We believe that the Afghan people have the ability and the knowledge to solve their own issues. The neighbors especially should support Afghanistan's efforts to realize security and stability. The international community should respect Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, not interfere with its internal affairs and support Afghanistan's efforts to realize security and stability," continued Li.

Ghani on Friday invited the Taliban to participate in an inter-Afghan peace process, but warned that violence will not be tolerated.

“Peace is our highest priority. We invite the political opposition, particularly the Taliban, to join an inter-Afghan dialogue and ask all our international partners to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. We must not and will not permit groups pursuing grand illusions to use our country as the battleground or launching pad against an international system,” said Ghani.

Ghani added that Afghanistan is grateful for the support China has given to Afghanistan.

"We count on the active engagement of the People's Republic of China in promoting peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan and the region. We, the Afghan people, are gratified by the attention and support and look forward to the outcome. We are determined to overcome history. All we need is your assistance to do so. Thank you,” said Ghani.

Source: Voice of America