In a significant trilateral engagement, Pakistan and China have reached an agreement to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, thereby reinforcing their joint commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic cooperation.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister and Member of the CPC Political Bureau Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi convened an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.
“The three foreign ministers reaffirmed trilateral cooperation as a vital platform to promote regional security and economic connectivity,” the Foreign Office stated.
The ministers engaged in discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic engagement and communications, while simultaneously emphasizing “practical steps to boost trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity.”
A pivotal outcome of the meeting was the agreement to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and formally extend CPEC to Afghanistan—a strategic move anticipated to significantly enhance regional integration and create new economic opportunities.
The foreign ministers also underscored their shared commitment “to countering terrorism and fostering stability and development in the region.”
According to the Foreign Office, it was mutually agreed that the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be convened in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Dar held a bilateral meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi on the sidelines of his visit. Both leaders recalled DPM Dar’s recent visit to Kabul and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly in terms of enhanced diplomatic engagement, trade, and transit facilitation.
They collectively agreed to continue collaborative efforts to advance mutual interests in crucial areas including trade, transit, connectivity, and security, as stated by the MOFA.
Today’s series of meetings are taking place during the Deputy Prime Minister’s three-day official visit to China—his first since the recent period of cross-border tensions between Pakistan and its rival, India.
Dar’s visit was at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following the ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi. Discussions throughout the visit encompassed the multifaceted Pakistan-China relationship and a broad spectrum of bilateral and regional issues, particularly in light of the recent Pakistan-India standoff.
During the recent escalation with India, China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan. The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed the “enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan,” characterizing the relationship as one of “ironclad brothers” who consistently provide support to each other during challenging periods.
In a meeting with Dar on Tuesday, Wang Yi hailed Pakistan as an ironclad friend and an all-weather strategic partner, expressing China’s desire to elevate their bilateral ties. He lauded Pakistan’s stance on sovereignty and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s integrity, development, and regional peace.
