China Says Taliban, Pakistan Ready for Joint Cooperation

DID Press: Yue Xiaoyong announced following his latest visit to Kabul that the طالبان administration and Pakistan have expressed a positive assessment of the Urumqi dialogue process and are prepared to cooperate on peace, security, and regional development.

The Chinese envoy said he held separate meetings with Amir Khan Muttaqi and other Taliban officials to discuss continuation of Beijing’s mediation efforts between Kabul and Islamabad.

Writing on X, Yue stated: “I am pleased to visit Afghanistan again. During recent days, I met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other officials. Both sides positively evaluated the Urumqi process and are ready for joint cooperation for peace, security, and development.”

The “Urumqi process” refers to China-mediated talks between the Taliban administration and Pakistan aimed at easing border tensions, addressing security concerns, and creating sustainable communication mechanisms between the two sides.

Despite Beijing’s diplomatic efforts, the latest round of negotiations held from April 1 to April 7 in Urumqi concluded without a major breakthrough, similar to previous dialogue initiatives hosted in Doha, Istanbul, and Riyadh.

Pakistan continues to demand that the Taliban sever ties with militant groups, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, the Taliban administration has reportedly resisted those demands due to security calculations and longstanding ideological and tribal links with the group.

China’s envoy emphasized that the next phase of talks should deliver “practical outcomes,” adding that Beijing remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting long-term stability between Kabul and Islamabad.