Islamabad:
Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to upgrade their diplomatic ties, and in principle agreed to exchange full -time ambassadors, Beijing announced on Wednesday in a major breakthrough in the bilateral relationship that remained strained since the Taliban took over Kabul almost four years ago.
The landmark development was announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in a statement issued after Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a trilateral meeting with the Pakistani and Afghan foreign ministers in Beijing.
“Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed clear willingness to raise diplomatic relations and in principle agree to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible,” Wang said in a statement at the end of an informal meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghan temporary Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
“China welcomed this and will continue to help improve connections from Afghanistan-Pakistan,” the top Chinese diplomat added.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have maintained diplomatic presence in each other’s capitals, but the missions were led by accused affairs and not full -time ambassadors.
The exchange of ambassadors means that Pakistan would move one step closer to recognizing the Taliban government. China was the first country to send a full-time ambassador to Kabul and accepted the Taliban broadcast in March this year.
A senior Pakistani official said that discussions in Beijing were positive and that all sides agreed to work closely to achieve common goals.
A separate statement from the Foreign Office did not mention the upgrade in diplomatic ties with Afghanistan.
Unlike the past, Pakistan this time decided to join forces with the international community on the issue of recognition. Originally, when the Taliban took over, Pakistan’s engagement with the new regime and persuaded countries advocates to recognize the government at the earliest.
However, Pakistan’s own ties with the Taliban government deteriorated within a few months after the change of government in Kabul and forced Islamabad to change its attitude. Pakistan then decided to link the recognition of the Taliban government with Kabul, which acts resolutely against terrorist groups, including the forbidden Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
It is believed that China pushed both sides behind the scenes to solve their problems through dialogue. The sources said that for the first time the Taliban government had not only shown will, but began certain steps to empty groups operating out of its territory.
The question of terrorism was one of the most important voice points during three-way conversations in Beijing. The Chinese official read that Wang emphasized the need to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He also called for joint cooperation to fight the threat of terrorism.
At the same time, the Chinese Foreign Minister warned both sides to remain vigilant against external interference in the internal affairs of regional countries. Although no country was mentioned by name, the reference to external interference seems to imply India.
In the wake of recent escalation in tension to a military conflict between India and Pakistan, New Delhi tried to reach the Taliban government. By breaking from its decades old policy, the Indian Minister of External Affairs spoke to the Jaishankar with the Afghan temporary Foreign Minister.
The move seems to be part of India’s calibration to put pressure on Pakistan. But the meeting in Beijing seems to have prevented that step. The Chinese statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that there was a great deal of incentive for the Taliban government to work closely with Beijing and Islamabad.
The statement pointed out that Beijing and Islamabad were ready to expand the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to strengthen and build regional connecting networks.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office’s statement said the three foreign ministers had a broad and constructive dialogue to elaborate on the cooperation through improved communication and mutual trust. They confirmed the importance of the trilateral platform in support of regional peace, development and by promoting their strategic vision for regional connection.
By welcoming the recent improvements in Afghanistan’s security environment, the robust financial relations and connection opportunities recognized as important prerequisites for regional growth and prosperity. They also highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic commitment and practical collaboration under the trilateral framework.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister confirmed Pakistan’s obligation to promote close, cooperative ties with Afghanistan, especially in trade, transit, health and connection.
China and Pakistan repeated their support to expand CPEC to Afghanistan during the wider framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. China expressed support to Pakistan and Afghanistan to protect their territorial integrity, sovereignty and national dignity.
Recognition of the importance of eradicating terrorism and external threats from the region as needed to reach economic and connecting goals, all sides agreed to improve security cooperation to promote peace and stability.
They repeated their attitude towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It was agreed that the 6th trilateral Foreign Minister Meeting would be held in Kabul on an early, mutually practical date.
