Afghanistan hosts sixth trilateral meeting with China and Pakistan to boost trade and security

The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan convened in Kabul for their sixth trilateral meeting, pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, transit and security despite ongoing concerns over cross-border militancy.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Afghanistan aims to transform the country from a conflict-ridden territory into “a hub of economic connectivity”. He called on Pakistan to expand joint projects and protect the rights of Afghan refugees.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to trade and transit but warned that militant groups based in Afghanistan pose a threat. “Terrorist attacks inside Pakistan have surged in recent months. We urge the Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable measures against groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA),” Dar said.

Muttaqi responded that Afghanistan does not permit its soil to be used against others, adding that Kabul seeks “balanced, economy-focused relations” with its neighbours.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the Kabul talks, describing relations with Afghanistan as “historic and longstanding”. He stressed Beijing’s willingness to support Afghanistan in security and development. “Effective security cooperation between the two countries will establish a foundation for Afghanistan’s development,” he said, urging Kabul to address Chinese concerns on border safety and militancy.

Afghan Prime Minister Muhammad Hassan Akhund welcomed Wang Yi, saying China has been a “steadfast friend” and called for Beijing’s continued backing on the international stage.

The three sides discussed regional trade, agriculture, border coordination, counter-narcotics, and visa facilitation. Pakistan and Afghanistan also welcomed the recent upgrade of diplomatic representation from Chargé d’Affaires to ambassadorial level, agreed at a meeting in Beijing in May 2025.

Analysts say the Kabul talks highlight the growing economic role of China in the region, but tensions over militancy remain a major obstacle to stability. According to the United Nations, Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis, with more than 23 million people in need of assistance, adding urgency to efforts to revive the country’s economy.

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