BEIJING, March 8 (INP): China stands by its iron brother Pakistan for its efforts, promoting peace and stability in the region through a process of dialogue.

This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference held here on Friday on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress.

When asked to comment on the recent Indo-Pak conflict, he said, “ the recent events have refocused international attention on Pakistan India relations china has stressed from the beginning the need to emphasize calm and restraint and prevent escalation find out what has happened and resolve the matter through dialogue.

In the meantime the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.

China has followed these principles in his mediation efforts and played a constructive role in defusing the tension in the last couple of days.

Both Pakistan and India have indicated the desire to deescalate the situation and start talks.We welcome this.

Pakistan and India are neighbors and always have to live with each other, Wang said.

Both countries face important opportunities to realize stability, development and prosperity.

China hopes that two countries will get along to help each other and progress together. China also hopes that Pakistan and India will turn the crises into a opportunity and meet each other. We advise both parties to quickly turn the page and seek a fundamental long term improvement in their relations.

When confrontation gives way to dialogue and disagreements are settled by goodwill they can create a better future with full cooperation.

Pakistan and India are neighbors and always have to live with each other, Wang said. Both countries face important opportunities to realise stability, development and prosperity.”

To a question about Afghanistan, Wang Yi said “Afghanistan is at a critical moment as there are both the potential dawn of peace and the buildup of risks and challenges pursuing peace requires more courage than stoking conflict.

We appeal to all parties in Afghanistan to set store by the greater good of the country and the people, seize the major opportunity for political reconciliation settle differences through dialogue, beat swords into ploughshares, and join hands to push open the door to peace.

We call on the international community to give firm support for the Afghan led, Afghan owned reconciliation process, and play a constructive role from the sidelines to build a momentum for dialogue. There is no vacuum in Afghanistan that needs to be filled because that land belongs to the people of Afghanistan.

This year marks the centenary of Afghanistan's independence. We ardently hope that this country after suffering so much, will have a rebirth, take destiny into its own hands from now on, and enjoy genuine independence and lasting peace. Afghanistan should not again become an arena of great power rivalry, nor should it be subject to incessant conflict and mayhem.

As Afghanistan's neighbor and friend, China will respect its people's wish and needs, continue to do its best for reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan.”

About the China’s diplomatic achievements in recent years, the Foreign Minister said, “Our diplomatic achievements are due, first and foremost, to the leadership of the Party, which is the fundamental political guarantee for China’s diplomacy."