Afghanistan and China discuss bilateral ties, regional developments and expanded cooperation, with both sides stressing regional stability and Afghanistan’s economic and connectivity links.
Afghanistan and China have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation during a meeting between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the eighth Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan.
According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, the regional situation and opportunities for further cooperation. Muttaqi expressed appreciation for what the Afghan side described as China’s constructive and balanced approach toward Afghanistan within the Moscow Format framework.
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Muttaqi said conditions were favourable for further strengthening relations between Afghanistan and China on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests. The discussions reflected Kabul’s interest in expanding engagement with Beijing across areas of common concern.
Yue described Afghanistan-China relations as positive and shared China’s views on developments in the region. He emphasised the importance of joint efforts to promote regional stability and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Economic and regional connectivity also featured in the discussions. Yue stressed the importance of promoting Afghanistan’s economic development and regional connectivity, areas that have become significant components of China’s engagement with Afghanistan. The two sides also discussed broader cooperation aimed at supporting regional stability.
The meeting came shortly after the eighth Moscow Format consultations, which brought together representatives from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia and Central Asian countries to discuss Afghanistan’s regional situation. The consultations also took place against the backdrop of continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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China has maintained diplomatic and economic engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, while continuing to engage with Afghan authorities on regional security, trade and connectivity. Beijing has also participated in multilateral mechanisms focused on Afghanistan and has sought greater regional cooperation around the country.
The latest meeting between Muttaqi and Yue highlights the continued use of bilateral and multilateral channels to discuss Afghanistan’s relations with neighbouring and regional powers. Both sides reiterated the importance of cooperation, regional stability and economic connectivity as they seek to further develop Afghanistan-China relations.