Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan hold sixth trilateral meeting in Kabul

KABUL: The sixth round of the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan was held on Wednesday in Kabul. According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on reviewing outcomes of previous sessions, the participants emphasized strengthening political, economic, and transit cooperation among the three neighboring countries, the statement said. Amir Khan Muttaqi, highlighted that numerous opportunities have emerged in the region to expand cooperation in various fields. “We believe that together, we can utilize these opportunities for the benefit of our countries.” He underscored the importance of the trilateral mechanism, saying it provides a platform for focused and practical discussions to further expand cooperation. “Since the Taliban assumed power, Afghanistan has centered its foreign policy on economic engagement, he said. “Our goal is to shift the narrative of Afghanistan from one of security challenges to that of a regional economic hub.” The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, described his country’s relations with Afghanistan as steadily growing and emphasized that bilateral cooperation has expanded in many areas. He also welcomed the recent elevation of diplomatic representation between Afghanistan and Pakistan to the ambassadorial level, calling it a positive development. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, also highlighted the significance of the trilateral meeting, describing it as an important platform for enhancing cooperation among the three countries. Dar praised the growing cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and expressed hope for further progress in bilateral relations.