The Taliban’s defense minister said on Thursday that dialogue remains the best path to maintaining regional security, even as tensions with Pakistan persist despite recent talks in China.
Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid made the remarks during a meeting in Kabul with Zhao Xing, China’s ambassador to Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Taliban’s Defense Ministry.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations, security cooperation and recent regional developments, including talks held between Taliban and Pakistani representatives in the Chinese city of Urumqi.
According to the statement, the Chinese envoy welcomed what the Taliban described as progress in the talks and expressed hope that the process would continue.
Mujahid emphasized that regional security was of “particular importance” and said dialogue was the most effective way to ensure stability.
He added that the Taliban’s approach was based on “mutual respect and understanding,” while asserting that defending the country against any external threat remained a legitimate right.
The meeting came a day after the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said its talks with Pakistan in China had concluded in a “constructive atmosphere,” though no concrete agreements were announced.
Pakistan has not publicly commented in detail on the outcome of the talks. But according to earlier reporting by Pakistani media, Islamabad had urged the Taliban to formally recognize the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan as a terrorist organization and to dismantle its infrastructure inside Afghanistan.
Relations between the two sides have grown increasingly strained in recent months. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harboring militants responsible for attacks on its territory, an allegation the Taliban deny.
The tensions have escalated into cross-border clashes, including airstrikes and artillery exchanges, bringing the two sides close to open conflict.
Several countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, have sought to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan. But despite these diplomatic efforts, a lasting resolution has yet to emerge.
