Pakistan, China Agree to Extend CPEC to Afghanistan

In a noteworthy trilateral discussion, Pakistan and China have reached a consensus to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, solidifying their dedication to fostering enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened economic partnerships.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the informal trilateral meeting in Beijing on Tuesday saw the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister and Member of the CPC Political Bureau Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The Foreign Office stated, “The three foreign ministers reaffirmed trilateral cooperation as an essential platform for advancing regional security and economic connectivity.”

The ministers deliberated on ways to enhance diplomatic interaction and communication, emphasising “tangible measures to stimulate trade, infrastructure development, and overall progress as fundamental catalysts for shared prosperity.”

A significant result of the meeting was the agreement to deepen cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework and officially broaden CPEC’s reach to include Afghanistan. This initiative is poised to accelerate regional integration and create new economic prospects.

The foreign ministers also emphasised their collective resolve “to combat terrorism and nurture stability and growth throughout the region.”

The Foreign Office reported that the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is slated to occur in Kabul at a mutually agreed-upon, near-term date.