China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan are progressing gradually and positively. The discussions were held following rising tensions between the two neighbors and are aimed at ending the most severe clashes since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. China, which shares borders with both countries, has so far attempted to mediate through phone calls between foreign ministers and by sending a special envoy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “Both countries attach importance to China’s mediation and are willing to return to the negotiating table, which is a positive development.” The exact location of the talks has not been announced, but it had previously been reported that the meetings were held in the city of Urumqi in northwest China. Mao added, “China is creating suitable conditions and providing a platform for dialogue for both sides, and more information will be released later.” Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began in October last year, have so far resulted in the deaths of dozens of Afghans. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of providing safe haven to armed groups, while the Taliban reject the claim and describe it as an internal issue of the neighboring country.
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