Islamabad, Kabul agree to exchange ambassadors

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to upgrade their diplomatic ties and in principle agreed to exchange full-time ambassadors, Beijing announced on Wednesday, in a major breakthrough in the bilateral relationship that remained strained since the Taliban took over Kabul nearly a four-year ago.

The landmark development was announced by the Chinese foreign ministry in a statement issued after Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a trilateral meeting with the Pakistani and Afghan foreign ministers in Beijing.

"Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed clear willingness to elevate diplomatic relations and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible," Wang said in a statement at the end of an informal meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghan interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

"China welcomed this and will continue to provide assistance for the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations," the top Chinese diplomat added.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have maintained diplomatic presence in each other's capitals but the missions were headed by charged affairs and not the full-time ambassadors.

Exchanging ambassadors means that Pakistan would move a step closer to recognising the Taliban government. China was the first country which sent a full-time ambassador to Kabul and accepted the Taliban envoy in March this year.

A senior Pakistani official said that discussions in Beijing were positive and all sides agreed to work closely to achieve common objectives.

A separate statement issued by the Foreign Office did not mention the upgrade in diplomatic ties with Afghanistan.

Unlike the past, Pakistan this time decided to go along with the international community on the issue of recognition. Initially, when the Taliban took over, Pakistan was advocating engagement with the new regime and persuaded countries to recognise the government at the earliest.

However, Pakistan's own ties with the Taliban government deteriorated within a few months of the change of government in Kabul, forcing Islamabad to change its stance. Pakistan then decided to link the recognition of the Taliban government with Kabul acting decisively against terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

It is believed that China was nudging both sides from behind the scenes to resolve their issues through dialogue. The sources said that for the first time the Taliban government had shown not only willingness but initiated certain steps to rein in groups operating out of its territory.

The issue of terrorism was one of the key talking points during the three-way talks in Beijing. The Chinese official read out said Wang stressed the need for combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He also called for joint cooperation to combat the menace of terrorism.

At the same time, the Chinese foreign minister cautioned both sides to stay vigilant against external interference in the internal affairs of regional countries. Although no country was mentioned by name, the reference to external interference seems to suggest India.

In the wake of recent escalation in tensions into a military conflict between India and Pakistan, New Delhi was trying to reach out to the Taliban government. Breaking from its decades-old policy, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to the Afghan interim foreign minister.

The move seems to be part of India's recalibration in order to put pressure on Pakistan. But the meeting in Beijing appears to have pre-empted that move. The Chinese foreign ministry statement suggested that there was great incentive for the Taliban government to work closely with Beijing and Islamabad.

The statement pointed out that Beijing and Islamabad were ready to expand the "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan in order to strengthen and build regional connectivity networks.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office statement said that the three foreign ministers held a wide-ranging and constructive dialogue to deepen cooperation through enhanced communication and mutual trust. They reaffirmed the importance of the trilateral platform in supporting regional peace, development, and in advancing their strategic vision for regional connectivity.

Welcoming the recent improvements in Afghanistan's security environment, they recognised robust economic linkages and connectivity as essential prerequisites for regional growth and prosperity. They also highlighted the significance of continued diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation under the trilateral framework.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting close, cooperative ties with Afghanistan, especially in trade, transit, health, and connectivity.

China and Pakistan reiterated their support for extending CPEC to Afghanistan under the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. China expressed support for Pakistan and Afghanistan in safeguarding their territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national dignity.

Recognising the importance of eradicating terrorism and external threats from the region as necessary to achieve economic and connectivity objectives, all sides agreed to enhance security cooperation to promote peace and stability.

They reiterated their stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It was agreed that the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting would be held in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date.