Did the Chinese Foreign Minister Just Strengthen Ties with the Taliban in Kabul?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- China's commitment to support Taliban governance and development.
- Focus on security cooperation as a foundation for economic collaboration.
- 70th anniversary of China-Afghanistan diplomatic relations.
- Strengthening ties in various sectors to enhance mutual benefits.
- Importance of regional stability through cooperation.
Kabul, Aug 20 (NationPress) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a significant meeting with Taliban counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Wednesday, extending congratulations to Afghanistan for its new achievements in national development. Wang Yi conveyed China's commitment to assist the Taliban regime in fostering prudent governance, emphasizing development, decisively fighting terrorism, and nurturing strong neighborly relations to secure lasting peace and stability in the region.
In a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, it was highlighted, "We must adeptly balance the relationship between security and development. Enhancing security cooperation between China and Afghanistan will guarantee economic collaboration, and advancing economic ties will also bolster Afghanistan's security capabilities."
During their discussions, Wang Yi underscored the significance of this year as it marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan. He expressed China's readiness to support Afghanistan in adopting an economy-centered policy and collaborating with Kabul to promote the friendship between the two nations, deepen political trust, and enhance cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, poverty alleviation, water management, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
The statement concluded, "China aspires to solidify the China-Afghanistan friendship, yielding greater benefits for both nations and their citizens, along with contributing to regional peace, stability, and development."
During this meeting, Muttaqi expressed his gratitude to Wang Yi for visiting Kabul and thanked China for its support in Afghanistan's struggle against external interference. He acknowledged China's role in fostering regional peace and development and expressed Afghanistan's intent to strengthen bilateral relations based on equality and mutual respect, enhance exchanges at all levels, establish a regular economic and trade dialogue, and promote more mutually beneficial outcomes from practical cooperation.
Earlier that day, Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Kabul to participate in a trilateral meeting with Taliban officials, focusing on economic cooperation, security, and political dialogue to shape Afghanistan's regional role, as reported by Afghan news agency Khaama Press.