First Formal Dialogue in Two Years
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to attend the first formal trilateral dialogue between Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan in two years. The talks aim to enhance political, economic, and regional cooperation.
Trilateral Meeting Agenda
Dar joined Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for discussions on counter-terrorism, trade, regional connectivity, and the possible extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
Security and Counter-Terrorism Focus
The Afghan foreign ministry confirmed that security issues, especially the presence of banned militant groups inside Afghanistan, dominated the agenda. Both Pakistan and China urged Kabul to take firm action against terrorist outfits operating from its territory.
China’s First High-Level Visit Since Taliban Takeover
The meeting also marked Wang Yi’s first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power four years ago. He held separate bilateral meetings with senior Taliban leaders to discuss political and economic cooperation.
Dar’s Third Visit to Kabul Since April
For Ishaq Dar, this was his third official visit to Kabul since April, reflecting Islamabad’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and address pressing security concerns.
Beijing’s Mediation Role
China has played a mediating role in improving ties between Islamabad and Kabul. In May, an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing helped both countries agree to restore diplomatic representation at the ambassadorial level.
Upcoming Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad
Following the Kabul talks, Wang Yi will travel to Islamabad to co-chair the 6th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Ishaq Dar on August 21. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the meeting will deepen the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and expand cooperation in trade, security, agriculture, mining, and industry.
Setting the Stage for Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit
The trilateral discussions and the Islamabad dialogue also pave the way for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China later this month, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing and hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping.
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