Trilateral Accord Focuses on Regional Security and Economic Integration
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, a move that underscores growing trilateral cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The understanding was reached during an informal meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, where Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Officials described the talks as productive, centering on stronger diplomatic ties, improved regional connectivity, and the promotion of trade, infrastructure, and development initiatives.
All three parties emphasized that their collaboration is crucial for regional peace and stability. They agreed that economic integration is essential to achieving mutual prosperity, and they jointly reaffirmed the need to counter terrorism and work together toward peace and sustainable growth.
In a separate bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for China’s core interests and expressed gratitude for Beijing’s consistent backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.
Wang Yi referred to Pakistan as China’s “iron brother” and reaffirmed Beijing’s dedication to Pakistan’s development and the stability of the broader region. Both sides noted satisfaction with the ongoing progress of CPEC and welcomed the inclusion of third-party partners in its second phase.
The ministers also explored avenues for cooperation in agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), industry, and investment. They committed to maintaining coordination on regional and international platforms and reaffirmed their support for multilateralism.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir conflict in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, calling it a prerequisite for lasting peace in South Asia.
