Pakistan has welcomed the extension of China China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
During a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Istanbul on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar welcomed the extension, saying it was a positive development for the future of regional connectivity.
China, Pakistan, and the Taliban interim government have agreed to extend the CPEC into Afghanistan to enhance trilateral cooperation and improve relations between the three countries.
The CPEC, a major component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is a massive infrastructure project focused on improving connectivity and trade routes. The extension into Afghanistan aims to further boost regional connectivity and economic development.
While relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained, the three countries have also agreed to work towards restoring full diplomatic ties, including the exchange of ambassadors as soon as possible.
The Taliban, who regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, have expressed a desire to deepen political and economic relations with China and Pakistan.
