China and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to assist Afghanistan in achieving stability and reintegrating into the international community. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this news in an official statement.
Pakistani media reported that this agreement reflects the joint efforts of both countries to support Afghanistan under its current circumstances and to create the necessary conditions for the country’s return to the global stage.
According to a report from The Express Tribune, both countries emphasized their support for an Afghan-led peace process and declared their readiness to facilitate peace negotiations. However, the report did not specify which groups the Taliban would be required to negotiate with.
China and Pakistan have also agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism in the region to prevent the spread of insecurity to neighboring countries.
The Express Tribune added that both nations plan to invest in infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including the construction of roads, bridges, and energy facilities, to help improve the country’s economic situation.
This development comes at a time when relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have significantly deteriorated. Following an increase in deadly attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Pakistani soil, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Paktika province targeting TTP militants. These airstrikes further strained ties between the Taliban and Pakistan.
The Taliban announced that 46 people, including women and children, were killed in the Pakistani airstrikes. In retaliation, the Taliban launched counterattacks two days later, which, according to Taliban sources and Afghan media reports, resulted in the deaths of about 18 Pakistani soldiers.
The Taliban have consistently denied the presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan, but Pakistan maintains that these militants are using Afghan territory to organize and launch attacks against the Pakistani government.
