Russia And China Stand On Common Positions Concerning The Fight Against Terrorism And The Post-conflict Settlement In Afghanistan

The positions of Russia and China coincide as to the questions of combating terrorism and the post-conflict settlement in Afghanistan. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov after the negotiations with his Chinese colleague Tang Jiaxuan. According to Igor Ivanov, they discussed questions concerning the fight against international terrorism and the counter-terrorist operation now going on in Afghanistan, as well as the efforts which the international community must take under the aegis of the United Nations to ensure the post-conflict settlement in that country. "Political efforts must accompany military actions, because military actions alone cannot lead to a long-term settlement in Afghanistan," said Igor Ivanov. Russia and China, he continued, are interested in a coalition representing all ethnic groups of the country, resting on a broad international support and friendly to its neighbours coming to power in Afghanistan. The head of The Russian Foreign Minister underscored that Russia and China would coordinate their efforts in this direction. Terrorists, wherever they are, must be resolutely rebuffed," said Igor Ivanov. In this case, he pointed out, the question concerns the camps of terrorists in Afghanistan. At the same time he emphasised that Russia and China, as Afghanistan's neighbours, are interested in preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country and intend to actively cooperate under the aegis of the United Nations.