Pakistan and China on Monday urged Afghanistan to take “credible, verifiable” steps to dismantle all “terrorist organizations” operating on its soil, saying such groups pose serious threats to regional and global security. Both sides also said they would work with major powers to encourage Kabul to adopt moderate policies and integrate into the international community.
The joint statement was issued after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the seventh round of the China–Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on 4 January. The meeting reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, counterterrorism and a wide range of regional matters.
“The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security, and prevent terrorist organizations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country and to endanger any other country,” the statement read.
The communiqué added that Pakistan and China would continue engaging with international partners to encourage the Afghan authorities to develop an inclusive political framework and pursue “good-neighbourly” policies.
CPEC Phase-II and Broader Bilateral Cooperation
On bilateral cooperation, both countries said they would prioritize industry, agriculture and mining under Phase-II of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), alongside the development and operationalization of Gwadar Port in Balochistan.
“The two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training, education, and people-to-people exchanges,” the statement said.
Pakistan also welcomed China’s continued support for its financial sector, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in banking and economic stabilisation. China, for its part, commended Pakistan’s “comprehensive measures” to protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions.
The two sides reiterated a “zero-tolerance” policy toward terrorism and pledged to enhance security and intelligence cooperation. They agreed to work jointly to ensure the “secure and smooth” advancement of Belt and Road projects in Pakistan.