ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Monday urged Afghanistan to take more visible steps to dismantle terrorist organizations based in its territory.
The two countries vowed to work with world powers to encourage Kabul to adopt moderate policies and integrate into the international community.
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain tense. Islamabad accuses militant groups, mainly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban government has repeatedly denied facilitating such attacks.
The joint statement followed a meeting in Beijing between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Dar and Wang co-chaired the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue on Jan. 4. They reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, economic sectors, defense, counterterrorism, and regional matters.
The statement said both countries called for “visible and verifiable actions” to dismantle terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. It added that these groups pose serious threats to regional and global security and must not use Afghan territory to attack other nations.
Pakistan and China said they will work with world powers to push Kabul toward an inclusive political framework and good-neighbor policies.
On bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to focus on industry, agriculture, and mining. They also pledged to promote the construction and operation of Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan.
The statement highlighted plans to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, science, cybersecurity, vocational training, education, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Pakistan and China also agreed to strengthen cooperation in finance and banking. Pakistan appreciated China’s support for its fiscal and financial sectors.
China commended Pakistan’s measures to combat terrorism and protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism. They agreed to deepen counterterrorism cooperation and ensure the China-Pakistan Belt and Road projects progress safely.
The two countries also expressed willingness to cooperate on transboundary water resources. They stressed the need to fulfill international legal obligations. Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of violating a water-sharing agreement and warned that any diversion of Indus rivers would be treated as an “act of war.”
Pakistan and China called for an unconditional, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. They reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and the two-state solution.
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The statement also expressed concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank and urged urgent action to address it.
