Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has sent a mid-level delegation to China for formal talks with Pakistan, as both sides meet in Urumqi amid efforts by Beijing to ease tensions between the neighbours.
In a statement, the Afghan ministry said the delegation had arrived in China “at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China” and would hold official talks with the Pakistani side “in accordance with its principled position.” It added that the process was being carried forward at China’s request and on the basis of “mutual respect and constructive engagement.”
The ministry said Kabul would participate from a “balanced and principled position” and planned “comprehensive and responsible talks” on good neighbourly relations, stronger trade ties, and “the effective management of security issues.” It added that diplomatic engagement based on “mutual respect, non-interference and constructive understanding” could help deliver “practical and lasting solutions.”
Pakistan also confirmed the talks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, “Talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban were held in China,” adding that Islamabad had sent a delegation to Urumqi to discuss “the issue of terrorism originating from within Afghanistan.” He said the talks were continuing and that Pakistan wanted “concrete steps against terrorists.”
The meeting follows weeks of worsening friction and cross-border violence, which experts describe as the most serious tensions between the two sides since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The agenda is reported to include security, a possible ceasefire, and measures to reopen or stabilise trade and travel links.
China has said it is working to help both sides resolve their differences through dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing had “been working actively to mediate the conflict” and would continue to play a “constructive role” in improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
At least 11 people, including eight children, have been killed after a powerful explosion at a firecracker fact...
Recovery teams are continuing operations in Grand Canyon National Park after flash floods swept through parts of the canyon over the weekend, leavi...
Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalised their new defensive alliance at the grouping’s first high-level meeting held Monday i...
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have concluded talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat said on Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused U.S. government and Israel-aligned actors of manipulating energy markets to promote the war with Iran.
Russian strikes on the Kyiv region overnight killed 37 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. Zelenskyy added that the Ukrainian capital was under "virtually nonstop attack" from drones.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan in the first direct U.S.-Iran military escalation in weeks.
At least 11 people, including eight children, have been killed after a powerful explosion at a firecracker factory in northern India, authorities said, with rescue teams continuing to search through debris amid fears the toll could rise.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have concluded talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Qatar has discussed potential investment in Afghanistan’s oil and gas sectors and the construction of a crude oil refinery, during talks in Kabul as Gulf businesses show growing interest in the Afghan market.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, honouring the decisive military victory that helped pave the way for the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye.
Uzbekistan has been named one of the world’s leading destinations for solo travelers, ranking fifth in the 2026 Solo Travel Index compiled by international travel platform Much Better Adventures.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment