Key points
- Three foreign ministers have reaffirmed trilateral cooperation
- Discussed enhancing diplomatic engagement
- Deliberated strengthening communications and taking practical steps to boost trade
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, held an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing today, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
The three Foreign Ministers held a wide-ranging and constructive dialogue to deepen cooperation through enhanced communication and mutual trust, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.
They reaffirmed the importance of the trilateral platform in supporting regional peace, development, and in advancing their strategic vision for regional connectivity.
Welcoming the recent improvements in Afghanistan’s security environment, the three Foreign Ministers recognised robust economic linkages and connectivity as essential prerequisites for regional growth and prosperity.
They also highlighted the significance of continued diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation under the trilateral framework.
Shared prosperity
They discussed strengthening communications and taking practical steps to boost trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity.
“They agreed to deepen Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan,” according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry statement.
The three foreign ministers spoke positively of the outcomes of the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue and had a friendly and in-depth exchange of views on further tapping the potential of the trilateral mechanism and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting close, cooperative ties with Afghanistan, especially in trade, transit, health, and connectivity, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated.
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Trilateral Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan.
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 21, 2025
Extending CPEC to Afghanistan
China and Pakistan reiterated their support for extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan under the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, the Foreign Ministry’s press release added.
China expressed support for Pakistan and Afghanistan in safeguarding their territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national dignity.
Recognising the importance of eradicating terrorism and external threats from the region as necessary to achieve economic and connectivity objectives, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan agreed to enhance security cooperation to promote peace and stability. They reiterated their stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“It was agreed that the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ meeting will be held in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date”, the statement further said.
Outcomes of trilateral meeting
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi reviewed and summarized the outcomes of the meeting. There are mainly seven points:
First, to enhance political mutual trust and uphold good-neighbourliness and friendship. China supports Afghanistan and Pakistan in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions and in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and national dignity.
Second, to highlight the role of the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue mechanism and strive to convene the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul at an early date.
Third, to strengthen exchanges and diplomatic contacts. Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed clear willingness to elevate diplomatic relations and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible. China welcomed this and will continue to provide assistance for the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
Fourth, to deepen Belt and Road cooperation, promote the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, and strengthen the building of regional connectivity networks.
Fifth, to advance practical cooperation, expand areas of cooperation, and take cooperation to a higher level. China and Pakistan support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, and stand ready to expand trade exchanges with Afghanistan and help it enhance its own capacity for development.
Sixth, to oppose all forms of terrorism, carry out law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly combat terrorist forces of concern to each side, and stay vigilant against external interference in the internal affairs of regional countries.
Seventh, to safeguard regional peace and stability, and strive to create a sound external environment for the development and revitalisation of each side.
Pakistan, Afghanistan discuss bilateral cooperation
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during a meeting in Beijing, have agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties, expand trade and connectivity, and enhance security cooperation, a Foreign Ministry statement said on Wednesday.
The two sides recalled the Deputy Prime Minister’s recent visit to Kabul and welcomed positive momentum in bilateral ties, including enhanced diplomatic engagement, trade, and transit facilitation.
“They agreed to work together to advance mutual interests, including in the domains of trade, transit, connectivity, and security,” the statement said.
It is pertinent to mention that Ishaq Dar’s visit to China was his first after the successful Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, launched in response to India’s attack.
Before meeting Muttaqi, Dar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, discussing bilateral ties and the South Asia regional situation. He thanked China for supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty and assured continued backing for China’s core interests.
Both countries showed satisfaction over CPEC Phase-II and discussed extending it to Afghanistan.
