China, Tajikistan Discuss Afghanistan Security in High-Level Meeting

The foreign ministers of China and Tajikistan met in Dushanbe on Saturday to discuss regional cooperation, with a focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, which both countries share borders with, The Caspian Post informs via AMU TV.

Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi described Afghanistan as an “undeniable neighbor” and pledged continued cooperation to support peace and stability in the country, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.

The two ministers also reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to deepen cooperation in various fields, including regional security. Wang emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Tajikistan and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative with what he called “high-quality development.”

Muhriddin said ties between Dushanbe and Beijing are based on mutual understanding, trust and support, noting that the two countries continue to cooperate actively across several sectors.

The meeting comes as Tajikistan remains one of the most vocal regional critics of the Taliban, which returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Tajik officials have repeatedly expressed concern about the presence of terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, particularly those affiliated with Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

This month, a high-level 14-member delegation of Tajik security and foreign affairs officials visited Kabul and held talks with senior Taliban leaders, including acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The rare visit signaled cautious engagement, though Dushanbe has not formally recognized the Taliban government.

Beijing, meanwhile, has pursued pragmatic relations with the Taliban, driven by security and economic concerns. China has called for the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan’s territory from being used by militant groups, while also exploring investment opportunities, particularly in mining and infrastructure.