Beijing- May 21, 2025: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Wednesday. The key focus point, regional security cooperation, set the tone for their discussions.
They agreed to extend the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. The meeting took place in Beijing during Dar’s three-day official visit to China. This trilateral forum was formed in 2017 to enhance regional ties.
China expressed support for Pakistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This came after a ceasefire ended recent fighting between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. The Foreign Office said the three ministers held an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing.
Moreover, they agreed to deepen cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They also pledged to hold the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting soon in Kabul. The ministers discussed ways to boost trade, infrastructure, and development, highlighting economic connectivity as a shared goal.
Importantly, they emphasized countering terrorism and promoting stability in the region. Earlier this month, Afghanistan’s Taliban government called for mutual respect and constructive engagement with Pakistan and China. This follows visits by special envoys from Pakistan and China to Kabul.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu praised China’s role in modernizing Pakistan’s defence forces. In Islamabad, he met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and thanked China for its continued support.
They discussed defence cooperation and the evolving regional security environment. Both sides agreed on regular joint exercises and stronger operational readiness. The ambassador praised Pakistan Air Force’s operational excellence during recent border tensions.
He assured full technical assistance to enhance Pakistan’s aerial defence. The ambassador also applauded Pakistan’s commitment to developing indigenous defence technology. He stressed that this focus will boost Pakistan’s defence capabilities further.
In conclusion, the ministers reaffirmed their dedication to regional security cooperation, aiming for a safer and more prosperous region.
