Beijing (TDI): Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, marking a major step in trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The agreement came during an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing on Wednesday between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Officials described the meeting as constructive, with talks focused on enhancing diplomatic engagement, improving regional connectivity, and promoting trade, infrastructure and development.
The three sides termed their collaboration vital for regional stability and agreed that economic integration was key to mutual progress.
They also emphasized the significance of fighting terrorism and working jointly toward peace and sustainable development.
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Moreover, during his bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering support for Beijing’s core interests and thanked China for its consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.
Wang Yi described Pakistan as China’s “iron brother” and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to Pakistan’s development and regional stability.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current progress of CPEC and welcomed third-party participation in its second phase.
The ministers also discussed strengthening collaboration in the fields of agriculture, ICT, industry, and investment.
They vowed to maintain coordination on regional and global forums and reiterated their commitment to multilateralism.
Dar also urged a peaceful solution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, calling it as essential for long-term peace in the region.
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Launched in 2015, CPEC is the flagship project of China’s BRI and a symbol of strategic Pakistan-China cooperation.
With over $60 billion in pledged investments, it has transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy and industrial landscape, connecting Gwadar Port in Balochistan to China’s Xinjiang region.
