Taliban Defense Minister Meets Chinese Ambassador, Stresses Dialogue for Regional Security

KABUL — Taliban Defense Minister Yaqub Mujahid met with Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Xing in Kabul on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, security cooperation and regional developments, including recent talks with Pakistan in Urumqi.

Mujahid stated that dialogue is the best solution for preserving regional security, emphasizing that the Taliban's position is based on mutual respect and that defending against aggression is their right.

The Chinese ambassador appreciated the Taliban's success in the Urumqi meeting and expressed hopes for its continuation.

The Taliban Foreign Ministry confirmed that talks with a Pakistani delegation in China's Urumqi had concluded in a constructive atmosphere. Pakistan has not issued an official reaction to the discussions.

The meeting comes amid tense Taliban-Pakistan relations. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of supporting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegations the Taliban deny. The two sides' ties have been on the brink of military conflict despite mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and China.

Pakistan's Express Tribune quoted sources as saying Islamabad asked the Taliban to recognize the TTP as a terrorist group.

China's Foreign Ministry and Britain's Special Envoy for Afghanistan have called for the continuation of Taliban-Pakistan talks.