Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan discuss to enhance regional cooperation

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors, including counter-terrorism, trade, and the extension of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.

The agreement was reached during the sixth trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting held in Kabul. Pakistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi also attended.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the three sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance joint efforts against terrorism in a more coordinated and effective manner. They also agreed to boost collaboration in trade, regional connectivity, health, education, culture, and combating drug smuggling.

The meeting further expressed consensus on extending CPEC to Afghanistan, a move expected to create new opportunities for regional development and connectivity.

Following the session, Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss Pakistan–Afghanistan relations, mutual interests, and security cooperation.

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, along with senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, also accompanied the deputy prime minister during the talks.