Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said talks with the Pakistani delegation, held in Urumqi at China’s initiative, concluded after discussions in what it described as a “constructive atmosphere.”
In a statement, the ministry said the two sides held “comprehensive discussions” on bilateral relations, security issues and matters linked to regional stability.
The ministry also thanked China for its role in hosting and facilitating the talks, adding that it hoped the process would help strengthen “confidence-building, sustained relations, mutual understanding, and effective cooperation.”
China’s foreign ministry said representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held informal talks in Urumqi from 1 to 7 April, with officials from foreign affairs, defence and security participating.
According to Beijing, the Afghan and Pakistani sides agreed to “refrain from actions that may escalate or complicate the situation” and to work towards resolving differences as soon as possible.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the two sides had agreed to continue communication and dialogue, adding that the Urumqi process had “practical” or substantive importance and that meetings at different levels were expected to continue.
China also said the three sides had agreed to discuss a comprehensive plan for resolving issues in Afghanistan–Pakistan relations and had identified the core and priority issues.
Pakistan has not issued a detailed public statement following the Urumqi talks.
However, Reuters reported that Pakistan’s military leadership, under Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, had earlier vowed to continue operations until “militant havens” and cross-border threats were eliminated. Islamabad says those threats are linked to armed groups operating from Afghan territory, an allegation Kabul denies.
In a separate response, the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, welcomed the contacts and said continued dialogue was the only path to de-escalation and lasting peace.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 bi...
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta....
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.&nbs...
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelli...
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing ...
Afghan and Russian officials have discussed expanding political, economic and security cooperation during talks in Kabul, Afghan ministries said.
Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment continue, the United Nations Children’s Fund has warned.
Afghanistan’s disaster authority says it is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to boost emergency response, shelter support and volunteer networks following talks in Kabul on Sunday.
Afghanistan is exploring new business opportunities in cotton, tourism and minerals following trade and investment talks this week with officials from Uzbekistan and Türkiye.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta.
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelling debate over influence, trust, and politics.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
Former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev has been questioned in connection with an alleged attempt to seize power by force, Kyrgyz lawyer Sherdor Abdykaparov said.
Afghan and Russian officials have discussed expanding political, economic and security cooperation during talks in Kabul, Afghan ministries said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment