Taliban representative in Beijing seeks to deepen economic ties with China
An official representative of the Taliban-led Afghan government told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that the country is seeking deeper economic cooperation with China, on the sidelines of a major development summit organized by Beijing.
"We will hold talks on investments and good bilateral relations with China," said Industry and Trade Minister Noruddin Azizi.
The Taliban government has not been officially recognized by any country, but Kabul maintains diplomatic relations with Beijing, which invited Azizi to attend a summit this week dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road trade and infrastructure project he signed, AFP writes.
"We have already signed a large number of projects with China," Azizi told AFP.
Afghanistan is a potentially valuable addition to the global Belt and Road initiative, given its natural reserves, including copper and gold.
A representative of the Taliban government mentioned some "megaprojects", including the Mes-Aynak copper mines and the Kashkari oil production site.
"China is more interested in Afghanistan's development than any other country," Azizi said. He added that negotiations on Afghanistan's accession to the Belt and Road Initiative as an official member are continuing.
"Afghanistan offers great opportunities," Azizi said, referring to the mining and agricultural sectors. "We are happy with our relations with China."
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