BEIJING: In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan on Wednesday agreed to deepen trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
The agreement was reached during an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The three foreign ministers reaffirmed that their trilateral platform remains vital for fostering regional peace, economic integration, and development. They underscored a shared commitment to enhanced diplomatic engagement, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional connectivity—emphasizing trade, infrastructure, and investment as crucial drivers of prosperity.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the ministers expressed confidence in economic integration as a catalyst for lasting peace and stability in South and Central Asia. In line with this vision, they agreed that the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting would be held in Kabul at a mutually convenient date to continue the momentum.
The extension of CPEC into Afghan territory is widely viewed as a strategic advancement of the BRI in a region that has long struggled with conflict and economic fragility. All three nations agreed on the need for practical steps to implement infrastructure and trade initiatives in Afghanistan, which remains key to regional transit and energy projects.
During his separate bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s core interests and expressed gratitude for Beijing’s consistent backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic development.
He highlighted Islamabad’s readiness to expand cooperation in critical areas such as agriculture, industry, ICT, and green energy under CPEC Phase II.
Wang Yi reiterated that China considers Pakistan its “iron brother” and a central partner in advancing peace and development in the broader region.
He welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to stabilize the region and emphasized the importance of extending regional connectivity through inclusive, long-term partnerships.
Dar also took the opportunity to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for its peaceful resolution in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He described Kashmir as a core dispute whose settlement is essential for durable peace in South Asia.
The trilateral meeting marks a strategic shift toward economic diplomacy amid shifting regional dynamics, with a renewed focus on collective security, shared development, and multilateral engagement.
The agreement to extend CPEC into Afghanistan signals not just a breakthrough in trilateral cooperation but also an opportunity to bring long-term stability to a historically volatile region.
