BEIJING — Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, in Beijing on Wednesday, where he welcomed what he described as “positive momentum in bilateral ties” and “enhanced diplomatic engagement” between Pakistan and the Taliban, the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement.
The meeting came on the sidelines of an informal trilateral summit hosted by China, which brought together the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and the Taliban to discuss regional cooperation, trade, and security.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar and Muttaqi agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, transit, connectivity, and counterterrorism. The two sides also underscored the importance of “practical steps” to advance shared economic and strategic goals.
Separately, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Muttaqi also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit. In that meeting, Muttaqi reportedly reiterated assurances that Afghan territory under Taliban rule would not be used to threaten neighboring states — a key concern for both Beijing and Islamabad.
The diplomatic exchanges followed Tuesday’s three-way dialogue in Beijing, where the three nations emphasized trilateral cooperation as a platform for advancing regional security and economic integration. Chinese and Pakistani officials have expressed growing interest in extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the three parties agreed to expand political engagement, improve communication channels, and invest in infrastructure and trade as engines of joint prosperity. They also reaffirmed a “shared commitment” to combat terrorism and promote lasting regional stability.
The sixth round of the trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue is expected to be held in Kabul at a mutually agreed date, with the Taliban set to serve as host.
The flurry of diplomatic activity comes amid renewed security concerns in the region, particularly following recent military tensions between India and Pakistan, and growing international scrutiny over the Taliban’s internal governance and foreign policy orientation.
