BEIJING, May 21, 2025 (WNP): In a major diplomatic engagement in Beijing on Wednesday, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi held wide-ranging and constructive discussions during the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue.

According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the three sides emphasized the importance of their trilateral platform in fostering regional peace, stability, and development. The ministers underlined that deeper economic linkages, enhanced connectivity, and sustained diplomatic engagement were essential to achieving shared prosperity across the region.

Welcoming the recent improvements in Afghanistan’s security landscape, the ministers reiterated their support for practical cooperation in trade, transit, health, and infrastructure development. They agreed to continue strengthening mutual trust and to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, recognizing it as a key obstacle to economic progress.

China voiced support for both Pakistan and Afghanistan in safeguarding their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. All three sides reiterated their firm opposition to terrorism in all its forms and agreed to bolster security cooperation to foster peace and stability in the region.

The three countries also agreed to convene the next round of the Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul at a mutually convenient date.

Strategic Consultations with China

On the sidelines of the trilateral meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar held separate bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both leaders reviewed the trajectory of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirmed their countries’ ironclad friendship and “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”

Dar expressed deep appreciation for China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding cooperation in trade, industrialization, ICT, agriculture, and CPEC Phase-II, including participation by third-party stakeholders.

The deputy prime minister also underscored the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, terming it vital for enduring peace in South Asia.

Wang Yi praised Pakistan as China’s “ironclad friend” and reaffirmed Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic development and regional role. The two sides agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues and to work jointly to promote peace and mutual prosperity.

Engagement with the Communist Party of China

In a separate meeting, DPM Dar held consultations with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). Both sides lauded the growing inter-party ties and emphasized the role of political linkages in reinforcing bilateral relations.

Dar acknowledged the IDCPC’s efforts in enhancing cooperation between the Communist Party of China and political parties in Pakistan. He also voiced concern over India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and urged the international community to address what he called a provocative and unlawful act.

Highlighting the critical importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law, Dar stressed that durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing the issue.

Liu reaffirmed China’s continued prioritization of relations with Pakistan, describing the two countries as enduring partners bound by shared strategic interests and values.

Commemorating 74 years of diplomatic ties

This series of high-level engagements coincided with the 74th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Speaking to the media, Dar noted that the historic ties between the two nations have only grown stronger with time, and his visit to Beijing served to further solidify this bond.

He said both sides remain committed to ensuring that their “ironclad” friendship is passed on to future generations, with deeper collaboration across diplomatic, economic, and political spheres.