Taliban Confirm China-Mediated Talks With Pakistan

The Taliban Foreign Ministry says a mid-level delegation has travelled to Urumqi, China, for talks with Pakistan, with discussions set to begin under Chinese mediation.

The Taliban Foreign Ministry says a mid-level delegation has travelled to Urumqi, China, for talks with Pakistan, with discussions set to begin under Chinese mediation.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban Foreign Ministry, said in a statement on Thursday, April 2, that the talks are being held at China’s request and based on mutual respect and constructive engagement with Pakistan.
He said the Taliban delegation would take part based on a balanced and principled approach and intends to hold comprehensive and responsible discussions with the other side on good neighbourly relations, strengthening trade ties and the effective management of security issues.
Balkhi added that the Taliban believe diplomatic engagement grounded in mutual respect, non-interference and constructive understanding can provide practical and lasting solutions to existing issues with Pakistan and help create conditions for stability and cooperation in the region.
At the same time, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said a delegation of senior officials had been sent to Urumqi for talks with the Afghan Taliban. He said the delegation is there to explore a sustainable solution to cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan.
Informed sources in the Taliban Foreign Ministry told Afghanistan International on Wednesday that the group had sought China’s help to bring Pakistan to the negotiating table.