Trilateral Dialogue in Kabul Focuses on Security and Economy
Pakistan, China and Afghanistan pledged on Wednesday to bolster anti-terrorism cooperation and strengthen economic ties during the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Kabul.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan, alongside his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The discussions centred on counter-terrorism, political engagement, trade, transit, regional development, and the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
Pakistan Urges Action Against TTP and BLA
During bilateral talks with Muttaqi, Dar acknowledged positive progress in political and trade relations but voiced frustration over limited cooperation in counter-terrorism. He highlighted the recent surge in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, carried out by groups operating from Afghan soil, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Majeed Brigade.
Dar urged Afghan authorities to take “concrete and verifiable measures” against these groups. The Afghan foreign minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring Afghan territory is not used by any terrorist organisation against Pakistan or other countries.
China Stresses Security and Regional Stability
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his meetings with Afghan leaders, underlined that China hopes Kabul will address Beijing’s security concerns while building stronger ties. He noted that cooperation has now expanded beyond trade into health, education, infrastructure, and energy, adding that regional connectivity projects such as CPEC hold the potential to transform Afghanistan into a hub of economic activity.
Economic Cooperation at the Centre of Talks
Afghan FM Muttaqi emphasised that Afghanistan aims to make its economy the cornerstone of foreign policy, calling for greater trust and practical measures among neighbours. He emphasised the importance of separating economic cooperation from political disputes and highlighted the region’s vast potential for prosperity through enhanced connectivity.
The trilateral meeting concluded with commitments to deepen collaboration in trade, education, culture, health, and drug control while prioritising regional peace and stability.
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