Muttaqi calls for Mes Aynak project to start

KABUL (Ariana News): Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a meeting with China’s special representative for Afghanistan that practical work of Mes Aynak copper mine should begin.
He also said that the country’s authorities were ready for copper extraction to start.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Muttaqi also said the acceptance of the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate in Beijing was an important development and appreciated China’s “positive position” in international forums.
He added that the two countries should work on ways to increase Afghanistan’s exports to China.
According to the statement, China’s special representative for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, said in the meeting that his country respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and will never interfere in its internal affairs.
He noted that China has significantly reduced the customs tariffs on imports from Afghanistan in order to expand trade between the two countries.
The Chinese diplomat emphasized that the relevant institutions of the two countries will work for the start of the Mes Aynak copper project.
In the meeting, the two sides emphasized on expanding bilateral relations and increasing the level of trade and cooperation in the political field.