Taliban Seeks Joint Commission With China To Boost Trade
The Taliban said Wednesday that its foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has proposed creating a joint technical commission with China to expand economic cooperation.
Muttaqi made the request during talks in Kabul with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held on the sidelines of a trilateral summit with Pakistan.
The Taliban Foreign Ministry said the meeting covered transit cooperation, banking ties, and efforts to balance trade. Muttaqi described China as a “good commercial partner” and expressed hope that trade between the two countries would grow significantly in the near future. He also assured that Afghan soil would not be used against neighbouring states.
According to the Taliban, Wang Yi said Beijing views relations with Afghanistan as developing and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in multiple sectors. He added that China is working with Taliban authorities to boost exports, remove barriers to Afghan agricultural products, and integrate Afghanistan into regional transit projects.
The Taliban statement said Wang pledged Chinese support for Afghanistan’s economy and promised practical steps this year on mining projects, including surveying and extraction of mineral resources.
The trilateral talks in Kabul also brought together Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, who separately met Muttaqi to discuss bilateral issues. A Taliban spokesperson earlier said the three-way meeting would focus on strengthening political, economic, and regional cooperation.
