BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

Mao told a regular press briefing that members of the three delegations were from their countries' departments of foreign affairs, defense and security.

They had candid and pragmatic discussions in a good atmosphere, following a problem-focused, result-oriented, and action-driven approach, said Mao.

She said China had noted and summarized the outcomes and common understandings achieved through intensive bilateral and trilateral meetings over the past week.

The Afghan and Pakistani sides reaffirmed that the two countries are Muslim brothers and close neighbors, Mao said.

The three parties recognized that due to complex and turbulent international and regional situations, maintaining good-neighborly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is crucial for the well-being of their peoples and for peace and stability in South Asia.

The three parties underscored that dialogue and consultation represent a realistic and effective approach to resolving complex international disputes, including the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the spokesperson.

They agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to address issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, identifying both core and priority concerns.

China emphasized that terrorism is a core issue affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, Mao said.

The three parties acknowledged the substantive significance of the Urumqi process and agreed to maintain communication and dialogue on this matter, she added.