In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to upgrade their bilateral ties by exchanging full-time ambassadors, a step that signals a thaw in relations that had been tense since the Taliban takeover nearly four years ago. The announcement came from Beijing on Wednesday following a trilateral meeting hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts.
The meeting, which marked a new phase of regional engagement, saw China playing the role of mediator as both sides agreed to elevate diplomatic relations. China welcomed the development, pledging continued support in strengthening ties and regional cooperation. The move is widely viewed as a prelude to Pakistan inching closer to recognizing the Taliban government, following China’s lead in formally accepting the Taliban’s envoy earlier this year.
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The upgrade in diplomatic engagement also comes at a time when Afghanistan has reportedly taken steps to address Pakistan’s long-standing security concerns, particularly regarding the presence of terrorist groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Counterterrorism remained a core focus during the trilateral talks, with Wang Yi emphasizing collective efforts to combat terrorism and resist external interference—an indirect reference to India’s recent outreach to the Taliban.
The Beijing meeting also laid the groundwork for economic collaboration, including extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan under the Belt and Road Initiative. All three nations underscored the need for enhanced connectivity, mutual trust, and practical cooperation as the basis for long-term peace and prosperity in the region.
The 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is set to be hosted in Kabul, with all sides agreeing to maintain momentum through continuous dialogue and cooperation on shared regional challenges.
