Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to participate in the third round of trilateral talks between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. He was received at the airport by Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Muhammad Naeem, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani.

The trilateral talks will focus on enhancing cooperation among the three countries in trade, regional connectivity, and counter-terrorism. During his stay in Kabul, Mr. Dar will also hold bilateral meetings with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The talks come at a time of heightened focus on regional stability, following a May agreement brokered by China to upgrade Pakistan-Afghanistan diplomatic ties to the ambassadorial level and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.  This meeting also marks Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power five years ago.

The foreign office stated that the discussions will center on trade, connectivity, and counterterrorism cooperation.  Minister Dar will also hold bilateral talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to address a broader range of issues. He is accompanied by Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan and senior foreign ministry officials.

The trilateral talks occur as Pakistan continues a phased deportation drive of Afghan immigrants, raising concerns about the potential impact on regional relations.  Islamabad plans to expel documented Afghan refugees after September 1, having refused to extend their stay permits.