Kabul – The Kabul Trilateral Conference brought together the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan for high-level talks on political, economic, and security cooperation. Co-chaired by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the meeting marked the sixth trilateral dialogue among the three nations.
Significantly, it was the first time that Taliban-led Afghanistan hosted such a trilateral event, signaling growing regional efforts to build stability and prosperity through closer cooperation.
Afghanistan’s Economic-Centered Foreign Policy
In his address, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is centered on the economy. He said the Islamic Emirate wants to shift global perceptions of Afghanistan from a security-challenged nation to a hub of regional economic activity. Muttaqi urged the three countries to build trust and take practical steps to utilize economic opportunities. He stressed that economic cooperation must not be linked to political disputes. “People of the region want peace and prosperity, and this is possible only if economic relations are prioritized,” he added.
Chinese Support and Regional Outlook
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted that relations between Afghanistan and China have been growing stronger. He noted that cooperation now extends beyond trade into education, health, infrastructure, and energy. Wang Yi expressed hope that Afghanistan would continue to move toward stability, allowing regional economic corridors to expand.
He said China remains committed to constructive engagement and will continue to support Afghanistan’s legitimate position at the international level.
Afghan, Chinese, and Pakistani foreign ministers shake hands in Kabul for regional cooperation.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Regional Stability
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of the Kabul Trilateral Conference for both present cooperation and future growth. He stressed that Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan must work together to achieve regional stability and open new economic opportunities. The three sides agreed to strengthen counterterrorism measures and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing threats posed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Afghanistan pledged that its soil would not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
On the sidelines, Ishaq Dar met with Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss bilateral ties, trade, and border management. Pakistan’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, was also part of the delegation.
Expanding Cooperation and CPEC Extension
The conference also focused on trade, transit, and cultural cooperation. Delegates discussed measures to counter drug trafficking and reiterated commitments to improve connectivity. A key point of discussion was the possible extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. Analysts view this as a major step toward stabilizing Afghanistan’s economy and creating new trade opportunities in South and Central Asia.
While the conference underscored a strong desire for cooperation, Afghan leaders’ statements hinted at a complex regional dynamic. Without naming Pakistan directly, Afghan officials criticized interference and emphasized equality in regional relations. This contrast between calls for cooperation and implicit criticism highlighted the challenges ahead.
The Kabul Trilateral Conference comes at a critical time, with Afghanistan striving to rebuild its economy and redefine its regional role. With active participation from China and Pakistan, the meeting has raised hopes for practical progress. If the commitments made in Kabul turn into action, the three countries could move closer to a future of shared peace, stability, and prosperity.
