Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations by appointing full ambassadors to each other's capitals, marking a significant step toward normalizing ties after years of strain. Previously, their diplomatic missions were headed only by chargés d’affaires, a lower-level representation.
The decision was reached during a trilateral meeting in Beijing involving the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that both countries expressed clear willingness to elevate their diplomatic relations and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible. China welcomed the move and pledged continued assistance to improve Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
This development comes amid longstanding tensions, largely due to Pakistan’s accusations that Kabul harbors the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group targeting Pakistan. The upgrade signals a potential thaw and a willingness to enhance cooperation on security and regional stability.
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Pakistan soon to further cement the improved ties. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, including plans to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
While no country has formally recognized the Taliban government since its return to power in 2021, China, the UAE, and Russia have accepted Taliban-appointed ambassadors. Pakistan’s move to exchange ambassadors brings it closer to formal diplomatic recognition.
