'Foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks in 2017'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a press conference

The foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will hold their first trilateral talks within this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang made the remarks during a press conference after a meeting with visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are important countries in the region and he hoped the two nations could work together to safeguard stability in the region.

China attaches great importance to the relations with Pakistan and Afghanistan, and actively helps the two countries narrow their differences and enhance mutual trust. It is also exploring opportunities to develop cooperation among the three countries, Wang said.

Through consultations, the three countries' Foreign Ministers will hold their first trilateral talks this year, Wang said, adding that they will focus on strategic communication, practical cooperation and security dialogue.

On the anti-terrorism issue, Wang said terrorism is a global problem and all countries should work together to solve it.

He said Pakistan has always been a victim of terrorism and an important participant in international anti-terrorism cooperation and the world should recognise the efforts and sacrifice made by the Pakistani government and its people.

During the meeting with Asif, Wang said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and China supports Pakistan's efforts to uphold sovereignty, fight terrorism and safeguard national security.

On his part, Asif said Pakistan will always firmly support China on issues concerning China's core interests, including issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and the South China Sea.