China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Dr. Yue Xiaoyong, recently conducted a significant and extensive tour of the region, which has been widely regarded as crucial for Afghanistan’s political, economic, and regional future. This visit involved a series of high-level meetings and discussions, focusing on Afghanistan’s reconstruction, the establishment of stability, and fostering positive engagement with the international community.
During the first phase of his tour, Dr. Yue Xiaoyong visited Pakistan, where he met with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Ms. Amna Baloch, and the Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, Mr. Ahmed Naseem Warraich. The discussions emphasized the vital role of neighboring countries in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan. These meetings were seen as not only beneficial for Afghanistan’s peace and progress but also instrumental in promoting regional cooperation and stability.
In the second phase of his trip, Dr. Yue Xiaoyong traveled to Ashgabat, where he met with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Serdar Muhammetdurdyev. Both sides pledged to enhance their joint efforts in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. Turkmenistan has paid special attention to economic cooperation with Afghanistan in recent years, and this meeting marked a significant step toward deepening bilateral collaboration.
Following this, Dr. Yue Xiaoyong began the most critical part of his visit in Kabul. He held discussions with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of Afghanistan’s caretaker government, where they explored ways to strengthen neighborly relations and bilateral cooperation. Additionally, he met with the Acting Minister of Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, to discuss Afghanistan’s reconstruction and the expansion of ties between the two nations.
Experts have praised Dr. Yue Xiaoyong’s visit as highly beneficial for Afghanistan. Analyst Safiullah Nasary noted that the primary objective of the Chinese envoy’s tour was to encourage Afghan officials to engage positively with the international community and sustain the current relative stability in the country. He added that China seeks to help Afghanistan regain its credibility on the global stage and establish itself as a responsible government capable of fostering regional collaboration.
Another expert, Mirwais Rahimi, highlighted that China’s efforts are not only political but also deeply rooted in economic interests. He stated that China aims to achieve permanent stability in Afghanistan to create a sustainable environment for investment. According to Rahimi, China sees Afghanistan as a land of golden opportunities with immense potential for long-term economic benefits.
This visit by Dr. Yue Xiaoyong has opened a new chapter for regional cooperation and engagement. Such initiatives can pave the way for peace, stability, and progress in Afghanistan. The role of neighboring countries in fostering regional cooperation is critical, and continued efforts by China in this direction are expected to yield positive outcomes for both Afghanistan and the broader region.