Afghanistan joins CPEC after successful talks with India and Pakistan.
In good news, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have decided to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghan territory, marking a major step in trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The agreement came during an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing on Wednesday between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The talks have been described as constructive, with discussions focused on deepening diplomatic engagement, enhancing regional connectivity, and promoting trade, infrastructure and development.
The three sides described their cooperation as necessary for regional stability and agreed that economic integration was key to a bright future.
Also read: CPEC – A pathway to prosperity for Balochistan
They also exchanged views on the importance of combating terrorism and working collectively toward peace and sustainable development.
During his bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s core interests and thanked Beijing for its consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.
Pakistan the “iron brother” of China
Wang Yi called Pakistan China’s “iron brother” and reassured his country’s commitment to Pakistan’s development and regional peace.
Both the countries expressed satisfaction with the current development of CPEC and welcomed third-party participation in its second phase.
Also read: Pakistan, China to launch three new projects under CPEC
The ministers also discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, ICT, industry, and investment. They pledged to maintain coordination on regional and global forums and reiterated their commitment to multilateralism.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, describing it as essential for long-term peace in South Asia.
