Islamabad, Pakistan – As tensions between Pakistan and its long-standing rival India continue to simmer—following a recent missile and drone exchange—Islamabad has taken a significant diplomatic step with two neighboring countries: China and Afghanistan. These efforts could soon lead to a formal restoration of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, ending nearly four years of strained relations.
At an “informal” trilateral meeting in Beijing on May 21, the foreign ministers of the three countries—under a forum launched in 2017—met for the first time since May 2023. A key outcome, as confirmed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, was a mutual readiness between Pakistan and Afghanistan to restore diplomatic relations.
Wang noted that both countries showed a clear willingness to upgrade ties, agreeing in principle to exchange ambassadors soon. He said China welcomed this progress and pledged continued support to improve relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
Wang also revealed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a flagship $62 billion initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—is set to expand into Afghanistan, opening new avenues for regional cooperation and development.
A Pakistani diplomat familiar with the proceedings told Al Jazeera that the next round of trilateral discussions will take place in a few weeks, aimed at building on the progress made in Beijing. Calling it a strong trust- and confidence-building exercise, the official expressed optimism about the future of the trilateral relationship.
