Chinese Ambassador: We stand ready to provide our full support in safeguarding Afghanistan's rich historical sites and monuments.  

Moulvi Atiqullah Azizi, the Deputy Minister of Art and Culture at the Ministry of Information and Culture, recently met with Mr. Zhao Xing, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China. The focus of their meeting was on strengthening cultural relations and preserving Afghanistan’s historical monuments.
 
During the meeting, Moulvi Atiqullah Azizi expressed gratitude to China for its cooperation and emphasized that Afghanistan and China share many historical and cultural commonalities. He stated that preserving these historical values was the responsibility of both nations.
 
The deputy minister informed me that Afghanistan has significant economic reserves and historical assets in the area of Mes Aynak. He noted that since the arrival of the Islamic Emirate, there has been a marked reduction in the smuggling, illegal excavation, and expropriation of historical artifacts. Azizi called for international cultural organizations and countries to collaborate in protecting Afghanistan's cultural heritage.
 
Mr. Zhao Xing, the Ambassador of China, expressed his country’s interest in safeguarding and enhancing Afghanistan's historical and cultural relics, citing the common cultural ties between the two nations. He indicated that China is ready to undertake any necessary cooperation in this regard.
 
Additionally, Mr. Zhao revealed that according to plans established by the Chinese MCC Company and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, copper extraction at Mes Aynak is expected to commence early next year. He affirmed that the protection of the historical monuments in that region is a shared responsibility of both countries. Furthermore, he mentioned that President Xi Jinping has directed him to pay special attention to the protection of the historical relics in the Mes Aynak region. 
 
1446/4/25
1403/8/7