China expresses ‘deep concern,’ Russia urges diplomatic resolution of Afghanistan-Pakistan fighting

ISLAMABAD: Russia and China have called for a diplomatic resolution to the fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging both nations to cease hostilities and seek a peaceful solution.

China said Friday it was "deeply concerned" by fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan, adding Beijing was talking to the two sides as it called for a ceasefire, AFP reported.

China "calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint... achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

The ministry and China's embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were "working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter", she added.

‘Diplomatic resolution’  

 “Russia advocates for a swift end to mutual attacks between Afghanistan and Pakistan and a diplomatic resolution to the countries' differences,” Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Adviser to the Russian Foreign Minister, told Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency.

"We are in favor of a swift end to mutual attacks and a diplomatic resolution of differences," he said.