On April 13, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Acting Foreign Minister of the Afghan Interim Government Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Samarkand on the sidelines of the foreign ministers' meetings among Afghanistan's neighboring countries.

Qin Gang said that China and Afghanistan are linked by mountains and waters, and China always respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the independent choice made by the Afghan people. China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs or seeks selfish gains in Afghanistan. China firmly supports the Afghan interim government in exercising inclusive and moderate governance, promoting good-neighborliness and friendship, and building Afghanistan into an oasis of peace and a land of development and prosperity on the Silk Road. Qin expressed the hope that Afghanistan will positively respond to the concerns of its neighbors and build up consensus among the neighboring countries on helping with Afghanistan's reconstruction and development.

Qin Gang emphasized that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement is a terrorist organization listed by the United Nations Security Council and designated by the Chinese government in accordance with law. He expressed the hope that the Afghan Taliban will fulfill its commitment to fighting terrorism and earnestly protect the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Afghanistan. China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with Afghanistan, deliver grant assistance to Afghanistan, advance the Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen exchanges on governance, help Afghanistan train professionals, carry out cooperation in counter-narcotics and alternative planting, and help Afghanistan enhance its capacity for independent and sustainable development.

Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked China for its long-term political support to Afghanistan. He said that the Afghan Taliban appreciates and welcomes China's release of the position paper on the Afghan issue, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and understands China's security concerns. Afghanistan will never allow any forces to use its territory to undermine China's interests, and will spare no effort in protecting the safety of Chinese institutions and citizens in Afghanistan. He expressed the hope to take an active part in the Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Afghanistan and China. He congratulated China on successfully facilitating the historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which demonstrates China's global influence and sense of responsibility as a major country.