Today IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke on the phone with the State Councilor & Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi.

Mr. Wang Yi expressed his sympathy & condolences over the recent earthquake, pledging that Chinese aid would reach Afghanistan soon.

Minister Muttaqi thanked his Chinese counterpart, elaborating on aid delivery to the quake-struck Afghans, adding that IEA has rapidly delivered food & medicine to the affected people, & that shelter was priority for the time being to help rebuild the homes of those affected.

The two sides also discussed bilateral political relations. Mr. Wang Yi said China opposed sanctions imposed on Afghanistan, adding that the Afghan Embassy in Beijing is operating well & playing a good role in the two country's relations.

The Chinese FM also said the visa-issuance process for Afghan traders would begin soon & that return of Afghan students to Chinese universities would be facilitated, pledging that the airline between Afghanistan & China would resume soon.

Minister Muttaqi welcomed China's positive policy toward Afghanistan, expressing hope that these steps would lead to air & land trade growth between Afghanistan & China, particularly for Afghan dry fruit exports.