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Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to upgrade diplomatic relations by appointing ambassadors in each other’s capitals, according to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi following an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing.
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that both countries had “clearly expressed” willingness to elevate their diplomatic status, a decision welcomed by Beijing.
“China is willing to continue providing assistance for the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations,” said Wang Yi after hosting Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Tensions between the two neighbors escalated in December following reported Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which the Taliban said killed at least 46 civilians, mostly women and children.
Pakistan has not confirmed the strikes but has cited anti-terror operations targeting militants allegedly sheltered in Afghanistan – an allegation Kabul rejects.
Despite strained relations, a recent thaw began in Kabul where Muttaqi and Dar discussed political concerns including the mass deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan.
The Beijing meeting signals continued momentum, with all parties agreeing to a future trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue in Kabul.
Currently, both countries have embassies but no ambassadors—only chargé d’affaires.
China, although not formally recognizing the Taliban administration, was the first to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador, followed by countries like the UAE.
According to the Chinese statement, China and Pakistan reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s development, regional peace, and joint anti-terrorism efforts.
The meeting also emphasized expanding trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.
