China, Pakistan Discuss Collaborating to Foster Peace in Afghanistan

Yue Xiaoyong, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with senior Pakistani officials to discuss relations with Afghanistan and the role of neighboring countries in fostering peace and stability. The discussions were held with Amina Baloch, Foreign Secretary, and Ahmad Naseem Warraich, Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on strengthening relations with Afghanistan and emphasized the critical role of neighboring countries in ensuring stability. The statement said, “The Chinese Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, called on Foreign Secretary Ms. Amina Baloch today. He also held detailed consultations with the Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia), Ambassador Ahmad Naseem Warraich. Both sides exchanged views on relations with Afghanistan and reaffirmed the vital role of neighboring countries for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.”

Prior to Yue Xiaoyong’s visit, Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, also visited Pakistan and held talks on Afghanistan. China and Russia, key allies of Afghanistan’s interim government, have consistently expressed their support for peace and regional stability.

Ahead of his visit to Pakistan, Yue Xiaoyong told a Chinese media outlet that regional and neighboring countries had agreed to collaborate in achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Political analyst Salim Paigir told, “Russia, China, India, and Iran are major regional powers that can play a significant role, provided that Pakistan acts sincerely in its dealings with Afghanistan and the region.”

Another analyst, Moeen Gul Samkani, stated: “China and Russia are seeking to create a military, political, and economic bloc, but the West and the United States are unlikely to allow this. The West aims to maintain control over Afghanistan and India to counter Russia, Iran, Central Asia, and China.”

Both China and Russia continue to stress the importance of neighboring countries in fostering peace and stability in Afghanistan. During his visit to Pakistan, Zamir Kabulov also underscored the critical role of Afghanistan’s neighbors in resolving the country’s challenges.