China invites Afghanistan to attend regional foreign ministers’ meeting

China invites Afghanistan to attend regional foreign ministers’ meeting

China has extended an invitation to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to participate in the fifth meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. The announcement followed a meeting between Yue Xiaoyong, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, TOLO news reported.

Positive Assessment of Kabul-Beijing Relations

During the discussions, Yue Xiaoyong praised the bilateral relationship between China and Afghanistan, emphasizing mutual respect. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Yue reiterated China’s respect for the values and decisions of the Afghan people.

Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, stated, “He [Yue Xiaoyong] emphasized that the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan should attend the foreign ministers’ meeting of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries.” The Chinese diplomat also discussed economic and regional cooperation, signaling Beijing’s ongoing interest in engaging with Kabul on various fronts.

Regional Cooperation and Economic Development

The discussions underscored the importance of bilateral and regional collaboration. Both parties explored avenues to enhance economic ties and promote stability in the region. Zia Ahmad Takal highlighted the focus on economic cooperation, stating that the dialogue encompassed broader regional issues as well.

Political analyst Samiullah Ahmadzai remarked, “China is one of the countries in the region that seeks stability in Afghanistan and the region because they aim to define a new political order at the global level.” This sentiment aligns with Beijing’s growing interest in fostering regional stability to support its broader geopolitical ambitions.

Background and Upcoming Meeting

The date for the fifth foreign ministers’ meeting of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries has yet to be announced. These meetings are a platform for discussing regional stability and collaboration involving Afghanistan and its neighbors.

The fourth meeting, held in Samarkand in April 2023, saw Amir Khan Muttaqi representing the Islamic Emirate. The continuation of Afghanistan’s involvement in these gatherings highlights its neighbors’ interest in maintaining open channels of communication with Kabul.