Foreign ministers from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan met in Islamabad on Saturday for the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. In a joint statement released by Pakistan’s foreign office, the three countries agreed to enhance cooperation in various economic fields and to combat terrorism.
The foreign ministers’ meeting focused on advancing political engagement, countering terrorism, and improving trade, investments, and connectivity under the trilateral framework. The trilateral talks aim to strengthen regional stability and improve economic ties between the three countries.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reiterated his country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. He said that the trilateral dialogue is an important platform for addressing common challenges and working towards shared goals.
China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, highlighted the importance of the trilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and promoting economic development in the region. He emphasized the need to further enhance connectivity between the three countries through various infrastructure projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, expressed his country’s gratitude to Pakistan and China for their continued support in Afghanistan’s peace process. He said that the trilateral dialogue is an essential mechanism for building trust and promoting cooperation between the three countries.
The three sides also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, including the ongoing peace process and the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country. They expressed their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and called for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
The trilateral dialogue between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan was initiated in 2015 as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and promote economic development. The three countries have already undertaken a number of joint projects under the trilateral framework, including the construction of roads and other infrastructure, as well as the establishment of joint economic zones.
The latest trilateral meeting comes amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India over the disputed region of Kashmir. Pakistan has accused India of human rights violations in Kashmir, while India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups that operate in the region.
Despite these tensions, the trilateral dialogue between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan remains an important platform for promoting regional stability and economic development. The three countries have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and working towards common goals in the region.
