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Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire Sunday during talks in Doha, following days of deadly border tensions, as Türkiye and Qatar mediate the agreement.
China lauded the mediation efforts on Monday. "China welcomes" the ceasefire and "commends contributions of the relevant countries," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.
Afghanistan's Acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob toldAl Jazeerathat his country wants "good neighborly relations" with Pakistan. He stated the tension "serves no one."
The two nations will hold the next round of detailed talks in Istanbul on Oct. 25. Afghan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said this meeting will address "mechanisms" for implementing and monitoring the Doha agreement.
Mujahid affirmed Afghanistan's commitment to the agreement's articles but warned that "Pakistan's failure to fulfill its obligations will create problems." He called on mediators Türkiye and Qatar to support the deal's implementation.
The border tensions followed deadly clashes. Islamabad conducted air strikes in Afghanistan on Oct. 9, citing efforts against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Afghan forces responded on Oct. 11 with comprehensive attacks on Pakistani posts. Tensions escalated again on Oct. 14 before Pakistan announced a 48-hour temporary ceasefire on Oct. 15 at Afghanistan's request.
Pakistan has asked the Taliban administration, which took control in 2021, to take measures against the TTP. Islamabad, which classifies the TTP as a "terrorist organization," states the group is based in Afghanistan.
The Afghan administration denies that the TTP operates on its territory. Mujahid also rejected claims of India's role in the tensions as "baseless," "unreasonable and unacceptable."
"Our policy is not to use our territory against other countries," Mujahid said, adding Afghanistan would strengthen relations with India based on its national interests.
Guo, the Chinese spokesman, said China "hopes from the bottom of its heart" that the two nations "settle their disputes through dialogue, realizing a lasting ceasefire."
"China stands ready to play a constructive role for the improvement and development of the two countries," Guo said.
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