China is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan, jointly advancing the development and prosperity of both countries, promoting regional peace and security, and fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning, according to a Chinese diplomat.

Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Xing said this during a speech at a ceremony to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan on Monday.

The event, held in the Afghan capital Kabul, was jointly hosted by the Chinese embassy and the caretaker government.

Zhao said China firmly adheres to the policies of "Three Respects" and "Three Nevers", as well as supporting peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

He highlighted the abundant achievements in China-Afghanistan cooperation over the past seven decades and the deepening friendship between their peoples.

China respects the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, respects the independent choices made by the Afghan people, and respects the religious beliefs and national customs of Afghanistan, according to a paper stating China's position on Afghanistan released by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never seeks selfish interests in Afghanistan, and never pursues the so-called sphere of influence.

Enduring friendship

Attending the ceremony, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai spoke highly of the enduring friendship between the two sides and the achievements in China-Afghanistan relations.

Stanikzai expressed gratitude for China's support of Afghanistan's national independence and development, as well as the improvement of the Afghan people's livelihoods.

He also called on both sides to use the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and promote mutual development and prosperity.

The Chinese ambassador noted that China's direct cooperation in Afghanistan recorded the highest growth rate among its investments in Asian countries in 2024, the Afghan media reported.

It is expected that trade between China and Afghanistan will surpass $1.5 billion this year.

As China and Afghanistan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, it is clear that the future of their relationship is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity, said Maarij Farooq, deputy editor-in-chief at Pakistan Economic Net and Daily Ittehad Media Group.

"China's Belt and Road Initiative offers Afghanistan a unique opportunity to become a hub for regional connectivity, unlocking its potential for trade and economic growth," he said.

"Furthermore, China's economic support for Afghanistan will have a ripple effect across the region. A stable Afghanistan is essential for ensuring peace in neighboring countries and advancing regional integration."

Najibullah Jami, a professor and political analyst at Kabul University, hailed China's noninterference policy, expressing anticipation for closer cooperation between the two countries.

"China does not express its opinion on Afghanistan's internal affairs and it respects Afghanistan's territorial integrity," Jami told Xinhua News Agency in a recent interview.

China and Afghanistan have mutually prioritized each other's diplomatic interests, according to the analyst.

"I believe that Afghanistan and China have a long and positive history of diplomatic relations and that should be expanded, because this can have a greater and better impact on several fields, such as economy, security, and culture," he said.

The current momentum and efforts by both governments indicate that the relationship will be strengthened in the coming years, said Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan.

Ahmad said Afghanistan can benefit immensely from Chinese development, noting that China can help build its infrastructure and create economic opportunities.

However, he added that "Afghanistan will have to ensure that it is implementing the reforms and programs which it promised when the Taliban took over the country" to reap the benefits.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

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