Beijing: In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, marking a renewed commitment to regional connectivity, trade, and development.
The agreement was reached during an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing on Wednesday between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to a statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the three sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation as a means to promote regional security and economic integration. The talks focused on practical steps to boost infrastructure, trade, and development as central pillars of shared prosperity.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to formally extend CPEC — a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — into Afghanistan. The move is expected to enhance regional connectivity and unlock new economic opportunities for all three countries.
The ministers also emphasized the importance of countering terrorism and promoting stability in the region. They agreed to maintain regular diplomatic engagement and improve communication channels to support mutual interests.
It was also decided that the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Dar held a bilateral meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi, where the two sides welcomed positive momentum in ties following Dar’s recent visit to Kabul. They pledged continued cooperation in key areas such as trade, transit, connectivity, and security.
These engagements are part of Dar’s ongoing three-day official visit to China — his first since recent cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India. During his visit, Dar also held meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who reiterated China’s enduring support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic development.
Wang described Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and emphasized deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The trilateral agreement to extend CPEC to Afghanistan is seen as a pivotal step in transforming regional dynamics, offering the potential for greater economic integration and long-term peace in South and Central Asia.
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