The Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan is a diplomatic initiative to foster collaboration and dialogue among the three nations to address regional challenges and strengthen cooperation.
The fifth round of dialogue takes place in Islamabad and is attended by high-level delegations led by their respective foreign ministers.
Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi represents the Taliban-led administration in the discussions with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, has also joined the dialogue, arriving in Islamabad on Friday.
Besides the trilateral meeting, FM Bilawal and Chinese FM Gang co-chaired the fourth round of the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue. This dialogue formally reviews bilateral cooperation in crucial areas, such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and regional security. In addition, the two countries aim to reaffirm the enduring vitality of their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, create a roadmap for multidimensional cooperation, and discuss the evolving regional and global environment.
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During his four-day official visit, Afghanistan’s interim foreign minister, Muttaqi, participates in the trilateral dialogue and conducts important meetings with Pakistani authorities. These meetings will likely address bilateral relations, regional security, and the ongoing humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Muttaqi’s visit to Pakistan is a continuation of the political engagement process between the two countries, which has included recent visits from Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to Kabul on November 29, 2022, and a high-level delegation led by Pakistan’s Defence Minister to Kabul on February 22, 2023. These interactions are essential for fostering cooperation and understanding between Afghanistan and Pakistan and addressing the myriad challenges both countries face in the region.