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 century-old collection of postcards is bringing the human stories behind Azerbaijan's oil boom to life in a new documentary produced by AnewZ...
Democrats captured majorities in both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, scoring sweeping victories that reached into Republican strongholds, with mi...
Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned six days after a deadly high-speed train collision that killed at least 69 people, ...
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Hundreds of millions of U.S. citizens head to the polls on 3 November to elect the House of Representatives and Senate. How they vote could influence the direction of Donald Trump’s remaining 26 months in office and the outcomes of the Ukraine and Iran conflicts.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
Russia airstrikes on a school used as a humanitarian aid distribution point in southeastern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 26 people, including rescue workers and police officers, Ukrainian officials said. Another 27 people were reported missing.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukraine's negotiators will meet with Russian and U.S. delegations in Abu Dhabi next week for the first peace talks mediated by Washington since February.
A century-old collection of postcards is bringing the human stories behind Azerbaijan's oil boom to life in a new documentary produced by AnewZ in partnership with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
A new book examining Azerbaijan’s military strategy, technology and operations during the Garabagh wars has been unveiled in Baku, offering insights into the country’s victories and lessons for modern warfare.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Tajikistan has banned electronic cigarettes and nicotine delivery systems, becoming the latest Central Asian country to outlaw their production, import and sale as part of a wider push to protect public health.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment