BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has asserted China will play a “constructive role” to bring Pakistan and Afghanistan on the same page as part of fresh efforts to resolve the 16-year conflict with the Taliban by hosting a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries.

Wang Yi said this during a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif on the occasion of unveiling the new China-driven Afghanistan policy here today.

“The participation of China in bringing together and finding a political solution to Afghan problem is very vital. To support the initiative, Pakistan has already undertaken many steps, and will pursue those steps of improving the relationship with Kabul,” Asif said while addressing a joint press conference with Wang.

Meanwhile, Wang, who has been trying to play a mediatory role between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the last few months following persistent criticism by Kabul accusing Islamabad of fostering terrorism by aiding and abetting the Haqqani network, said that both Pakistan and Afghanistan are important neighbours of China.

“A good relationship will serve both the countries otherwise it will hurt both the countries. So, we sincerely hope that both the countries will work in the same direction and work together for the well-being of Pakistan and Afghanistan and contribute peace in the region,” he said.

The Chinese side welcomes Pakistan’s attitude of improving relations with Afghanistan, Wang added.