Amid escalating regional tensions, including ongoing military clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan along their shared border, diplomatic initiatives are intensifying to foster dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.
Kabul 24: In a recent telephone conversation, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
The discussion covered current regional developments, including the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which both sides condemned.
They also addressed the recent border confrontations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.According to Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry statement, Muttaqi outlined Kabul’s perspective on Pakistan’s incursions and the Islamic Emirate’s reciprocal defensive measures.
Both ministers emphasized that regional disputes and differences should be resolved through diplomacy and peaceful negotiations rather than confrontation. They reiterated commitment to dialogue as the path to de-escalation and stability.
Separately, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The conversation focused on the broader regional situation and the specific border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Wang highlighted China’s active mediation role, noting that Beijing’s special envoy for Afghan affairs is actively shuttling between the two countries to facilitate peace talks and reconciliation.Wang stressed that the immediate priority is preventing further escalation of the conflict and swiftly returning both parties to the negotiating table.
China expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the region and affirmed readiness to coordinate multilaterally and bilaterally to support de-escalation and restore peace.These diplomatic engagements occur against the backdrop of heightened military exchanges that have displaced communities, caused casualties, and drawn international concern.
Efforts by regional players like Oman and China underscore a push for restraint and constructive dialogue to prevent the conflict from spiraling further, especially amid wider instability involving Iran and other actors.
Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have indicated openness to talks in principle, though underlying issues—such as border security, militant groups, and mutual accusations—remain unresolved.
Sustained diplomatic pressure from neighbors and global stakeholders could pave the way for meaningful negotiations and reduced hostilities in the near term.
