Afghan-Pakistani Peace Talks Deemed Constructive

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that peace talks with Pakistan, held in the western Chinese city of Urumqi, have been constructive so far, aiming to end cross-border fighting that erupted in February and has claimed hundreds of lives.

The negotiations, which began on April 1 at China's invitation, involve mid-level delegations from both sides. They seek to de-escalate the worst clashes between the neighbors in years, following a series of airstrikes and artillery exchanges. China hosted the discussions to foster dialogue, with mediation support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During a meeting Tuesday with China's ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, in Kabul, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked Beijing for its role and expressed hope that minor differences would not impede progress. "Constructive discussions have taken place so far," a ministry spokesman wrote on social media, adding that Afghanistan remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue while defending its territorial integrity.

The conflict intensified after Pakistani airstrikes targeted sites inside Afghanistan, including one on March 17 that hit a...