Trilateral Meeting Highlights Joint Efforts Against Terrorist Groups

At the sixth trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China in Kabul, the three parties emphasized strengthening cooperation against regional terrorist groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan stated that the three countries agreed to enhance joint efforts against terrorist groups.

Mohammad Sadiq added: “The three sides committed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorist organisations including TTP, BLA, ETIM and other regional and international terrorist outfits.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign minister said at a press conference with his Chinese counterpart in Islamabad that his country is striving to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar said: “These mechanisms reflect our shared determination to promote regional peace, stability, prosperity, and to share the benefits among Pakistan, China, and friendship with other regional countries and beyond.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also stated: “China and Pakistan are pioneers in implementing the Global Development Initiative, and the expansion of CPEC has not only benefited the people of both countries but has also extended to other countries including Afghanistan.”

Although a joint statement on the meeting was not issued, the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Emirate stated that the meeting emphasized strengthening relations among the three countries in political, economic, and transit sectors.

But how beneficial is this meeting for Afghanistan?

Kamran Aman, a military affairs expert, shared this view: “Pakistan is playing a dual game with us through China to achieve its objectives via Afghanistan. On one hand, it tries to show the world that we support TTP and the Baloch separatist groups, providing evidence of it. On the other hand, it’s about capital, trade, and investment. We are witnessing that our trade with Pakistan has decreased by 28% compared to last year.”

Mohammad Aslam Danishmal, another political affairs analyst, also said: “The trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan creates some opportunities in terms of political engagement and expanding connections, but there are also some negative aspects.”

Yesterday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and China arrived in Kabul to attend the sixth trilateral meeting, which was held at the Presidential Palace.