INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi on Monday in a phone conversation and reaffirmed
support for the victims of last week&s devastating earthquake.Wang expressed condolences over the tragedy and said China stands ready to
provide more timely assistance to Afghanistan based on its needs and expects the country to stay united to overcome the disaster and rebuild
homes as soon as possible, according to China&s foreign ministry.He said various forces in China, from the central and local governments to
social organizations and enterprises, have worked overtime to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and help the Afghan
people.According to Wang, the first batch of tents, blankets and other supplies are being delivered by chartered planes, and cash and other
relief supplies will follow as soon as possible.For his part, Muttaqi thanked the Chinese foreign minister and said that the Islamic Emirate
of Afghanistan (IEA) has delivered timely food and medical assistance to quake victims
He said that now there is urgent need for shelter, according to a statement from the Afghan foreign ministry.The statement said that the
sides also discussed political relations
Wang said he was opposed to sanctions against Afghanistan and added that the Afghan embassy in Beijing is operating well and is playing a
good role in bilateral relations.Wang said that China will soon start issuing visas to Afghan traders and will facilitate the return of
Afghan students to China.He also said that the air link between Afghanistan and China will be operational soon.Muttaqi welcomed China&s
‘positive policy& on Afghanistan and expressed hope it would boost trade between the two countries, especially on dried fruits.A
magnitude-6.1 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan last Wednesday, leaving over a thousand people dead and 3,000 homes destroyed.The Chinese
government has decided to provide about $7.5 million worth of humanitarian aid to the victims.The post Chinese FM talks with Muttaqi,
reaffirms support for quake victims first appeared on Ariana News.
