China Reports Steady Progress in Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks

(MENAFN) China announced on Friday that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are “advancing steadily,” according to a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The discussions, mediated by Beijing, are taking place in Urumqi, northwestern China, following weeks of clashes along the shared border.

“The consultation process is being implemented and advanced steadily. The three sides have had common understandings and agreements on specific matters regarding the process,” spokesperson Mao Ning said at a news briefing in Beijing.

Mao added that China has actively facilitated the talks, maintaining communication with both countries through multiple channels and levels, creating conditions and platforms for dialogue.

“Both Islamabad and Kabul value and welcome China’s mediation and are willing to sit down and talk again. This is good,” Mao said.

The latest border clashes began in late February after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, following a series of deadly attacks on its soil carried out by militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad accused Kabul of providing shelter to these militants, a charge Kabul denies.

Officials from both nations report that dozens of civilians, soldiers, and militants have died in the cross-border violence.

Prior to Eid al-Fitr on March 18, the two countries agreed to a week-long ceasefire, following appeals from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

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