Kabul: Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to enhance joint efforts to combat terrorism and deepen cooperation across various sectors. The development came during the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Kabul, attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collective action against terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and enhancing regional connectivity. The discussions also included expanding cooperation in trade, transit, health, education, culture, and the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ishaq Dar held a bilateral discussion with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the recent improvement in diplomatic ties, especially the upgrading of diplomatic representation from Chargé d’affaires to ambassadorial level.
Dar raised serious concerns over the recent increase in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, allegedly carried out by banned outfits operating from Afghan soil, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable actions against these groups.
In response, Amir Khan Muttaqi reiterated that Afghan soil will not be allowed to be used against Pakistan or any other country, assuring continued commitment to regional peace and stability.
The trilateral meeting also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in regional cooperation and connectivity initiatives, especially in light of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
This trilateral engagement marks a revival of the process that had been stalled since 2023, following an informal meeting earlier this year in Beijing where the three nations agreed to resume the dialogue to reduce tensions and improve cooperation.
