China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have pledged to strengthen joint counterterrorism efforts, deepen regional cooperation, and expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan during the sixth trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue held in Kabul on Wednesday.
The high-level talks marked the first time the mechanism convened in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Security at the Forefront
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the need to boost security coordination.
Wang urged the three countries to enhance intelligence-sharing, law enforcement, and joint efforts against cross-border terrorist groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-K. He emphasised addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of terrorism to eliminate its breeding ground.
Dar highlighted a recent surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan, reportedly carried out from Afghan soil. He called for “concrete and verifiable measures” against the TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), noting that progress in the security domain lags behind political and commercial cooperation.
Muttaqi reaffirmed that Afghan soil would not be allowed to be used against neighbouring states.
China’s Role in Regional Stability
Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s opposition to external interference in the region, stressing that China will continue supporting Afghanistan in international forums and press for the unfreezing of its assets.
He also assured that China would remain a reliable partner for Afghanistan and Pakistan, fostering long-term stability through economic engagement and security cooperation.
CPEC Expansion and Economic Cooperation
The three sides agreed to extend CPEC to Afghanistan, linking the landlocked nation with regional trade and connectivity networks. The project, already a multi-billion-dollar initiative, would open routes to Central Asia and expand infrastructure, trade, and investment.
They also reaffirmed cooperation in areas such as health, education, culture, combating narcotics, and boosting people-to-people exchanges.
Experts See Positive Momentum
Analysts described the Kabul meeting as both routine and significant, a continuation of past trilateral talks, but also a new chapter given recent tensions.
Former diplomats noted that the outcome would depend on whether Afghanistan takes tangible steps against militant groups. Still, the joint commitment was seen as a “positive development” that could help reduce mistrust and stabilise the region.
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