The Taliban have called for stronger bilateral relations and economic cooperation with China during a meeting between Yue Xiaoyong, Beijing’s special envoy for Afghanistan, and Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for political affairs.
Yue’s visit to Kabul follows a regional trip to Pakistan and Central Asia, where he discussed Afghanistan’s situation with key stakeholders. The Taliban-run government, in a statement, said Abdul Kabir underscored the importance of fostering closer economic and diplomatic ties with China during his discussions with Yue.
Regional cooperation efforts
Before arriving in Kabul, Yue held meetings in Turkmenistan, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stability in Afghanistan, according to a statement from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The talks, held between Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Vepa Hajiyev and Yue, emphasized the role of multilateral platforms in advancing Afghanistan’s reconstruction and improving socio-economic conditions.
The Turkmen Foreign Ministry also noted that discussions included preparations for the fifth meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan.
“Turkmenistan and China will continue their comprehensive support for Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction based on the principles of friendship and good neighborliness,” the statement read.
China has positioned itself as a significant player in Afghanistan’s post-conflict recovery, emphasizing economic partnerships and regional stability. The Taliban, in turn, have increasingly sought stronger ties with Beijing to bolster their political legitimacy and economic prospects amid ongoing isolation from the broader international community.
