The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government.

Taliban officials and ministers have at times travelled to regional meetings, mostly those focussed on Afghanistan, but the Belt and Road Forum is among the highest-profile multilateral summits it has been invited to attend.

The forum in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's ambitious global infrastructure and energy initiative, billed as recreating the ancient Silk Road to boost global trade.

The Taliban's acting minister for commerce and industry, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, will travel to Beijing in the coming days, ministry spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said in a text message to Reuters.

"He will attend and will invite large investors&nbsp;to Afghanistan," he said.

The impoverished country could offer a wealth of coveted mineral resources. A mines minister estimated in 2010 that Afghanistan had untapped deposits, ranging from copper to gold and lithium, worth between $1 trillion and $3 trillion. It is not clear how much they are worth today.

China has been in talks with the Taliban over plans, begun under the previous foreign-backed government, over a possible huge copper mine in eastern Afghanistan.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Azizi will continue discussions in Beijing on plans to build a road through the Wakhan corridor, a thin, mountainous strip in northern Afghanistan, to provide direct access to China, Akhundzada said.

Officials from China, the Taliban and neighbouring Pakistan said in May they would like Belt and Road to include Afghanistan and for the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor to be extended across the border to Afghanistan.

The Taliban has not been formally recognised by any government since taking control of Afghanistan two years ago as U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew.

A series of restrictions on women's access to public life and the barring of many female NGO staff from work has increased roadblocks to recognition, especially by Western countries, officials and international relations analysts say.

China has boosted engagement with the Taliban, becoming the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul since the Taliban took power, and invested in mining projects.

Beijing's ambassador presented his credentials to the Taliban's acting prime minister last month. Other nations have kept on previous ambassadors or appointed heads of mission in a charge d'affaires capacity that does not involve formally presenting credentials to the government.

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The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government.

The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government. Taliban officials and ministers have at times travelled to regional meetings, mostly those focussed on Afghanistan, but the Belt and Road Forum is among the highest-profile multilateral summits it has been invited to attend. The forum in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's ambitious global infrastructure and energy initiative, billed as recreating the ancient Silk Road to boost global trade. The Taliban's acting minister for commerce and industry, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, will travel to Beijing in the coming days, ministry spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said in a text message to Reuters. "He will attend and will invite large investors to Afghanistan," he said. The impoverished country could offer a wealth of coveted mineral resources. A mines minister estimated in 2010 that Afghanistan had untapped deposits, ranging from copper to gold and lithium, worth between $1 trillion and $3 trillion. It is not clear how much they are worth today. China has been in talks with the Taliban over plans, begun under the previous foreign-backed government, over a possible huge copper mine in eastern Afghanistan. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Azizi will continue discussions in Beijing on plans to build a road through the Wakhan corridor, a thin, mountainous strip in northern Afghanistan, to provide direct access to China, Akhundzada said. Officials from China, the Taliban and neighbouring Pakistan said in May they would like Belt and Road to include Afghanistan and for the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor to be extended across the border to Afghanistan. The Taliban has not been formally recognised by any government since taking control of Afghanistan two years ago as U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew. A series of restrictions on women's access to public life and the barring of many female NGO staff from work has increased roadblocks to recognition, especially by Western countries, officials and international relations analysts say. China has boosted engagement with the Taliban, becoming the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul since the Taliban took power, and invested in mining projects. Beijing's ambassador presented his credentials to the Taliban's acting prime minister last month. Other nations have kept on previous ambassadors or appointed heads of mission in a charge d'affaires capacity that does not involve formally presenting credentials to the government. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taliban to join China's Belt and Road forum, elevating ties

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement on space exploration, marking a new phase in space science cooperation including manned missions between the all-weather allies.

The agreement was signed on April 27 during the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to China for the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF), the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said in a statement.&nbsp;

The space agreement will serve as a high-level foundation for cooperation in space science and exploration. Both nations will conduct scientific and technological experiments, astronaut training, along with manned space applications and achievement transformation, official media quoted the CNSA statement as saying on Monday.

The space agreement between China and Pakistan also comes close on the heels of India's successful Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile test last month.

The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites. China had conducted such a test in January 2007 when its anti-satellite missile destroyed a weather satellite.

Under the agreement, the CNSA and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission will establish a China-Pakistan space committee chaired by top officials from both sides to address future collaborative issues.&nbsp;

China has advanced space programme with successful manned missions besides exploration missions to Moon. China is also building its space station which was expected to be ready by 2022. It has also unveiled plans to send spacecraft to Mars and Jupiter.

"The newly-signed space exploration agreement between China and Pakistan on manned space missions manifests their more profound cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space," state-run Global Times quoted experts as saying.

Since Pakistan is China's all-weather friend, China is willing to provide know-how to foster Pakistan's technological development on the use of outer space, Lan Jianxue, an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

"China-Pakistan space cooperation will help Pakistan in terms of satellite&nbsp; 
monitoring of natural disasters and agricultural production, land and resources surveying, and waste handling in a microgravity environment," Lan said, adding that China will also benefit from the cooperation, including for commercial applications of space technology, investment security and counter-terrorism.

In 2018, China sent two Pakistan satellites into orbit. The PRSS-1, Pakistan's first optical remote sensing satellite, and the PakTES-1A, a smaller observation craft, were both lifted into space by China's Long March-2C carrier rocket.

"The current agreement signifies that their cooperation is not limited to infrastructure and resources, it also concerns technology and innovation," Lan said.&nbsp;

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement on space exploration, marking a new phase in space science cooperation including manned missions between the all-weather allies.

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement on space exploration, marking a new phase in space science cooperation including manned missions between the all-weather allies. The agreement was signed on April 27 during the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to China for the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF), the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said in a statement. The space agreement will serve as a high-level foundation for cooperation in space science and exploration. Both nations will conduct scientific and technological experiments, astronaut training, along with manned space applications and achievement transformation, official media quoted the CNSA statement as saying on Monday. The space agreement between China and Pakistan also comes close on the heels of India's successful Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile test last month. The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites. China had conducted such a test in January 2007 when its anti-satellite missile destroyed a weather satellite. Under the agreement, the CNSA and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission will establish a China-Pakistan space committee chaired by top officials from both sides to address future collaborative issues. China has advanced space programme with successful manned missions besides exploration missions to Moon. China is also building its space station which was expected to be ready by 2022. It has also unveiled plans to send spacecraft to Mars and Jupiter. "The newly-signed space exploration agreement between China and Pakistan on manned space missions manifests their more profound cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space," state-run Global Times quoted experts as saying. Since Pakistan is China's all-weather friend, China is willing to provide know-how to foster Pakistan's technological development on the use of outer space, Lan Jianxue, an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. "China-Pakistan space cooperation will help Pakistan in terms of satellite monitoring of natural disasters and agricultural production, land and resources surveying, and waste handling in a microgravity environment," Lan said, adding that China will also benefit from the cooperation, including for commercial applications of space technology, investment security and counter-terrorism. In 2018, China sent two Pakistan satellites into orbit. The PRSS-1, Pakistan's first optical remote sensing satellite, and the PakTES-1A, a smaller observation craft, were both lifted into space by China's Long March-2C carrier rocket. "The current agreement signifies that their cooperation is not limited to infrastructure and resources, it also concerns technology and innovation," Lan said.

China, Pakistan sign agreement on space exploration, manned missions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-in-iran-to-talk-security-ties-212398">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> reached Beijing on Thursday on&nbsp;his four-day tour to China.

Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.

This is Khan’s second visit to China since coming to power in August 2018. His first visit had come in November last year.

Khan is&nbsp;due to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum on Friday, according to&nbsp;media reports. He will also attend a ''Leader's Roundtable'' with representatives from 38 countries.

Pakistan and China are set to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Khan will also take part in the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition alongside other world leaders.

Pakistan prime minsiter recently visited Iran to discuss security and regional issues, after Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Beijing on Thursday on his four-day tour to China. Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Beijing on Thursday on his four-day tour to China. Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li. This is Khan’s second visit to China since coming to power in August 2018. His first visit had come in November last year. Khan is due to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum on Friday, according to media reports. He will also attend a ''Leader's Roundtable'' with representatives from 38 countries. Pakistan and China are set to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Khan will also take part in the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition alongside other world leaders. Pakistan prime minsiter recently visited Iran to discuss security and regional issues, after Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in China on four-day visit

World leaders are gathering in Beijing ahead of the second <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-president-xi-jinping-sends-congratulations-on-inauguration-of-belt-and-road-studies-network-213383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5x9et--rhAhUx6nMBHSNCCuAQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ea2VzvDes11tFHShZoUIQ">Belt and Road Forum</a> for International Corporation scheduled to be held here, from today.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-seeks-to-allay-belt-and-road-debt-concerns-213340&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5x9et--rhAhUx6nMBHSNCCuAQFjACegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2omSc_9Dc_B0yvQDMFbqhQ">The three-day forum</a> will provide a platform to the countries participating in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for exchanging views and experiences on regional connectivity, policy synergy, socio-economic development and trade, and commerce.

According to media reports, India, for the second consecutive time has decided to boycott the forum, which will be attended by the leaders and representatives of 37 countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also are among the leaders who will attend the forum.

The BRI is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in countries in Europe, Aisa, and Africa.

World leaders are gathering in Beijing ahead of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation scheduled to be held here, from today. The three-day forum will provide a platform to the countries participating in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for exchanging views and experiences on regional connectivity, policy synergy, socio-economic development and trade, and commerce.

World leaders are gathering in Beijing ahead of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation scheduled to be held here, from today. The three-day forum will provide a platform to the countries participating in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for exchanging views and experiences on regional connectivity, policy synergy, socio-economic development and trade, and commerce. According to media reports, India, for the second consecutive time has decided to boycott the forum, which will be attended by the leaders and representatives of 37 countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also are among the leaders who will attend the forum. The BRI is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in countries in Europe, Aisa, and Africa.

Belt and Road Forum: World leaders gather in Beijing while India boycotts

Washington will not send officials to a Beijing summit on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/in-nod-to-debt-concerns-china-belt-and-road-summit-to-urge-sustainable-financing-212224">Chinese President Xi Jinping's</a> signature global infrastructure project, the US embassy said amid a raft of disputes between the two powers.

Leaders from 37 countries and officials from dozens more are expected to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-politicians-praise-china-proposed-belt-and-road-initiative-210416">Belt and Road Forum from Thursday</a> to Saturday, but Washington has dismissed the initiative as a "vanity project".

"The United States has no plans to send officials from Washington to the Belt and Road Forum," a US embassy spokesperson said.

"We call upon all countries to ensure that their economic diplomacy initiatives adhere to internationally-accepted norms and standards, promote sustainable, inclusive development, and advance good governance and strong economic institutions," the spokesperson said.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had told journalists at a briefing last week that American diplomats, state government representatives and members of the business community will be attending the forum.

At the first Belt and Road summit in 2017, the US was represented by White House adviser Matt Pottinger.

Since then, more countries have signed up to Belt and Road, most notably Italy, which became the first G7 nation to join the global scheme that aims to link Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects.

Washington will not send officials to a Beijing summit on Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature global infrastructure project, the US embassy said amid a raft of disputes between the two powers.

Washington will not send officials to a Beijing summit on Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature global infrastructure project, the US embassy said amid a raft of disputes between the two powers. Leaders from 37 countries and officials from dozens more are expected to attend the Belt and Road Forum from Thursday to Saturday, but Washington has dismissed the initiative as a "vanity project". "The United States has no plans to send officials from Washington to the Belt and Road Forum," a US embassy spokesperson said. "We call upon all countries to ensure that their economic diplomacy initiatives adhere to internationally-accepted norms and standards, promote sustainable, inclusive development, and advance good governance and strong economic institutions," the spokesperson said. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had told journalists at a briefing last week that American diplomats, state government representatives and members of the business community will be attending the forum. At the first Belt and Road summit in 2017, the US was represented by White House adviser Matt Pottinger. Since then, more countries have signed up to Belt and Road, most notably Italy, which became the first G7 nation to join the global scheme that aims to link Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects.

No plans to send officials for China's Belt and Road forum: US

Switzerland will sign an accord backing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)</a> when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism.

President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-politicians-praise-china-proposed-belt-and-road-initiative-210416"> Xi Jinping's new Silk Road</a> initiative has been controversial particularly in Washington, which views it as a way to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt, a charge Beijing rejects.

Locked in a trade war with China, the United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan, the first for a G7 nation. Others in the West are less keen to jump aboard, although many have kept an open mind.

Neutral Switzerland sees the BRI accord to be signed during Maurer's trip as a way to support economic development, especially in central Asia.

"The aim of the memorandum is for both parties to intensify cooperation on trade, investment and project financing in third markets along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative", the finance ministry said on Tuesday without giving more details.

Maurer, who is also finance minister, will attend the second Belt and Road summit next week which is expected to draw around 40 foreign leaders.

The first summit for Belt and Road - which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending - was in 2017.

Xi has also invited Maurer for a state visit on April 28 and 29, his ministry said. Swiss business and financial leaders will accompany Maurer on his eight-day China trip.

Switzerland, one of the first Western states to recognise the People's Republic, was the first country in continental Europe to reach a free trade agreement with China, its largest trade partner after the European Union and United States.

Xi made a state visit to Switzerland in 2017.

Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism.

Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism. President Xi Jinping's new Silk Road initiative has been controversial particularly in Washington, which views it as a way to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt, a charge Beijing rejects. Locked in a trade war with China, the United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan, the first for a G7 nation. Others in the West are less keen to jump aboard, although many have kept an open mind. Neutral Switzerland sees the BRI accord to be signed during Maurer's trip as a way to support economic development, especially in central Asia. "The aim of the memorandum is for both parties to intensify cooperation on trade, investment and project financing in third markets along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative", the finance ministry said on Tuesday without giving more details. Maurer, who is also finance minister, will attend the second Belt and Road summit next week which is expected to draw around 40 foreign leaders. The first summit for Belt and Road - which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending - was in 2017. Xi has also invited Maurer for a state visit on April 28 and 29, his ministry said. Swiss business and financial leaders will accompany Maurer on his eight-day China trip. Switzerland, one of the first Western states to recognise the People's Republic, was the first country in continental Europe to reach a free trade agreement with China, its largest trade partner after the European Union and United States. Xi made a state visit to Switzerland in 2017.

Will sign accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative: Switzerland

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-authorities-show-off-nuclear-advances-despite-us-sanctions-210084">Iran shows off nuclear advances despite US sanctions; insists its nuclear program is peaceful</a>

Iranian authorities showcased what they said were 114 advances in their domestic nuclear technology industry achieved over the course of a year despite the United States decision to unilaterally withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belt-and-road-forum-to-enable-china-to-establish-its-direction-policy-framework-imf-chief-210055">IMF chief lauds Belt and Road Initiative, says it focuses on financing global infrastructure</a>

The Belt and Road Forum will be a good opportunity for China to identify its direction and the policy framework within which they want to develop this very large initiative, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said in Washington, DC ahead of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jon-un-gains-more-power-in-north-korea-leadership-shuffle-210060">Kim Jon Un gains more power in North Korea leadership shuffle</a>

North Korea has replaced its long-serving head of state with a close aide to leader Kim Jong Un, promoting a man who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses, state media said Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-ipl-2019-mumbai-vs-rajasthan-210054">Live | IPL 2019: Mumbai vs Rajasthan</a>

Boundaries are raining for Rajasthan and the credit of it goes to Jos Buttler. Mumbai are stunned and don't know how to stop him.&nbsp;

Jos Buttler once again rose to the occasion and smashed a brilliant half century to keep Rajasthan in the chase.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dont-like-surprises-artificial-intelligence-predicts-who-survives-game-of-thrones-210104">Don't like surprises? Artificial intelligence predicts who survives 'Game of Thrones'</a>

If you are a "Game of Thrones" fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now.

Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.&nbsp;

Iran shows off nuclear advances despite US sanctions; insists its nuclear program is peaceful Iranian authorities showcased what they said were 114 advances in their domestic nuclear technology industry achieved over the course of a year despite the United States decision to unilaterally withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran shows off nuclear advances despite US sanctions; insists its nuclear program is peaceful Iranian authorities showcased what they said were 114 advances in their domestic nuclear technology industry achieved over the course of a year despite the United States decision to unilaterally withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal. IMF chief lauds Belt and Road Initiative, says it focuses on financing global infrastructure The Belt and Road Forum will be a good opportunity for China to identify its direction and the policy framework within which they want to develop this very large initiative, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said in Washington, DC ahead of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings. Kim Jon Un gains more power in North Korea leadership shuffle North Korea has replaced its long-serving head of state with a close aide to leader Kim Jong Un, promoting a man who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses, state media said Friday. Live | IPL 2019: Mumbai vs Rajasthan Boundaries are raining for Rajasthan and the credit of it goes to Jos Buttler. Mumbai are stunned and don't know how to stop him. Jos Buttler once again rose to the occasion and smashed a brilliant half century to keep Rajasthan in the chase. Don't like surprises? Artificial intelligence predicts who survives 'Game of Thrones' If you are a "Game of Thrones" fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now. Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.

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