Pity Doha Meeting Failed to Organise Dialogue With Taliban, Says Chinese Envoy

Yue Xiaoyong, China's Special Envoy for Afghanistan, said that Beijing and regional countries sought dialogue with the Taliban during the Doha meeting, expressing regret that the meeting "failed" in achieving this objective.

Xiaoyong said that the United States should take responsibility for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets and lift sanctions.

He also called for more humanitarian aid and moderate governance, along with providing educational opportunities for women and girls.

The Chinese envoy emphasised that his country is ready to work with the United Nations and regional partners, especially during the meeting of foreign ministers of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, and other regional platforms to enhance engagement with the Taliban.

Xiaoyong said that the Doha meeting provides a platform to reflect all concerns about Afghanistan to ensure that the country does not become a hotbed of terrorist activities and that "it has inclusive institutions.”

The Doha meeting on Afghanistan was hosted by Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, on February 18 and 19 with the participation of at least 25 countries and international organisations.

The representatives of the Taliban were not present in this meeting. However, five members of the civil society, including three women, were present on behalf of Afghanistan.