Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Kabul for an unannounced visit on Thursday, the Taliban government said.

Wang received a red-carpet welcome in Kabul International Airport by Amir Khan Muttaqi the Taliban’s foreign minister.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson said that upon arrival, Wang held talks with his Afghan counterpart Muttaqi on a number of important issues.

The top Chinese diplomat was holding meetings with other Taliban government leaders in Kabul, he added.

This is Wang’s first visit to Kabul after the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan following the chaotic withdrawal of the U.S.-led international forces last August.

The visit appears aimed at improving economic and political cooperation between the two countries and within the region.

A Chinese corporate copper mine project in Afghanistan has been stalled for years due to past uncertainties and a lack of security.

Mes Aynak Copper Mine in Afghanistan’s Logar province will be the world’s second-largest when it opens.

Taliban officials have repeatedly signalled their readiness to pave the way for foreign investment in Afghanistan’s mines.
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China and the Taliban have built a good relationship but no country has recognised the Taliban government to date.