Pakistan Afghanistan Trilateralism
Pakistan Afghanistan Relations: Enhancing the Ties via Regional Relations
New Resolve on a Common Destiny
The recent visit of Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Afghanistan Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul brought into focus a new sense of companionship. This interaction which took place at the 6th Trilateral Meeting between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan revitalized the idea that both countries want to achieve a future that is not necessarily based on conflicts. Such high level contacts indicate the gravity of intentions and thus demonstrate that the relationship is not reduced to rhetoric only. But established in the context of shared responsibilities. The commitment to intensify political exchange heralds a way to widen the levels of understanding between two adjacent states which are tied together by culture, history and geography.
Symbolism of Discourse Enrichments
Activation of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level was among the main results of this meeting. It seems almost symbolic but in diplomacy the symbolic means learned earnestness and appraisal. Ambassador is considered the culmination of state presence, and it denotes the willingness to have institutionalized cooperation. This kind of upgrade enhances flow of communication, eliminates bureaucracy and enables prompt decision making of problem issues.
In the case of Pakistan and Afghanistan this action is a sign that there is a serious concern for long term engagement as opposed to the past trend of mistrust that has dogged relations between the two nations.
It is of trade and transit that practical cooperation has become the backbone. Business across the Pakistan and Afghanistan border has always offered the two countries an anchor to the political fluctuations. The recent discussions were characterized by the free commitment to improve border trade, improve transit arrangements and eliminate unnecessary impediments. Particularly, these measures not only help business groups but also the common citizens who depend on trade in the region to make a living. The trade corridors are a source of evidence in the way commitments are being put into practice. Moreover, economic interdependence between Pakistan and Afghanistan can turn out to be the most powerful pacific guarantor.
Opening Opportunities through Regional Connectivity
The bigger picture of cooperation is not bilateralism. Connectivity projects are opening opportunities for regional prosperity. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan strategically situated offers an economic bridge between South Asia and Central Asia and China. Energy projects, transport links and digital corridors are not mere concepts anymore but one of the forms of reality that are developing. As far as countries concentrate on connectivity, jobs are created, investment is attracted and people to people contact is promoted. Being a region marked by turmoil in many areas, this transformation into economic integration is a welcome change to the optimistic side.
A New Trilateral Cooperation
One of the emerging forces of trilateral cooperation is the increased interaction between new and old economies across the Pacific Ocean. There is an added dimension of the role of China. The trilateral system is becoming an effective force behind generating peace, growth and resurgence of traditions. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offer the infrastructural base over which the trilateral cooperation may subsequently broaden. With Afghanistan joining the fray and there stands a fresh horizon regarding regional trade line, infrastructural building and energy policies. Trilateral system is beneficial to each of these countries in the case of Pakistan. Over and above that, it is the shoring up of a flagging foreign policy and in Afghanistan the desperately needed investment opportunities and legitimacy. All the three countries together are working towards creating a new regional discourse of cooperation as opposed to confrontation.
Security has been the main issue of concern in Pakistan. Pakistan emphasized in the meeting on the verifiable measures against elements such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
These are organizations which endanger not only Pakistan but the peace of the region as well. The renewed assurance by Afghanistan that it will not use its grounds in terrorism is of essence but of importance is the following. Terrorism does not mean that one nation is benefiting another on counter terrorism work, and it is a collective effort on promoting stability. Once Afghanistan makes specific concrete steps trust would increase, and the cooperation become more resilient.
Hospitality and Credibility
Pakistan congratulated Afghanistan on the successful conducted trilateral dialogue. These kinds of recognition can seem mundane, but such things can go a long way in any precarious relationship. Hosting is a kind of ownership and the fact that Pakistan acknowledges the hospitality of Afghanistan is a positive sign in developing trust. Respect is the grounding rationale behind the respectability of diplomacy and sometimes small efforts are the feathers on the way for big accomplishment. Accepting the progress by Afghanistan will demonstrate Pakistan is ready to cooperate as a partner and not a patron.
A Decisive Course to included orderliness
The Kabul meeting reflected a common conviction among Pakistan, Afghanistan and China to nourish respect expand commerce and pursue an enduring peace in common. In recent years conflict, extremism, and instability are the way this region has been viewed. The story is now moving into an era of collaboration, communication and financial integration. Pakistan and Afghanistan with all its problems prove that neighbors can make the choice of collaborating rather than competing. This cooperation over three states succeed in enhancing this vision so that the dream of peace is not only farfetched but a joint effort by all.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
