CIDCA chairman: China's aid to Afghanistan significant move to build community with shared future with neighbors

China's first shipment of aid materials under its 200 million yuan ($31.04 million) emergency humanitarian assistance announced by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, arrived in Kabul on Sept 29, according to Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

Luo noted that after 42 years of war, Afghanistan is in a critical period of transition from chaos to governance. The country is in an economic crisis and its people are fighting for survival. At present, there is a shortage of food, a serious COVID-19 pandemic situation, and a lack of winter clothing. Fourteen million people lack food and nearly 200,000 people are infected with COVID-19. The interim government of Afghanistan and relevant UN agencies have repeatedly issued urgent appeals and requested the generosity of the international community.

Luo said that Afghanistan is an important neighbor of China. China has a long history of friendship with Afghanistan and has maintained close relations with successive Afghan governments, as well as contact with the Taliban. The stability, peace and development of Afghanistan are critical for China and the region.

President Xi Jinping announced that China is willing to help the Afghan people overcome their difficulties and will send emergency assistance as soon as possible while attending a joint summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization member states on the Afghanistan issue on Sept 17.Earlier, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had announced the provision of emergency humanitarian aid worth 200 million yuan to Afghanistan.  

The first shipment of aid expressed the deep friendship of the Chinese people to the Afghan people, reflecting China's responsibility as a great nation to keep its promises and be kind to its neighbors. The aid is a significant move to build a community with a shared future with neighbors, and is sincerely welcomed by the Afghan people.