Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to boost trade, lower tensions along border
Fox News
Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Taliban appointed-government in Afghanistan have agreed to boost trade and lower tensions along the border.
Local media reported that Muttaqi on Monday urged Pakistani authorities to consider holding talks with the Pakistani Taliban, who are a separate group. There was no immediate response from Islamabad. But earlier talks hosted by the Afghan Taliban in Kabul had proved futile. Since then, Pakistan has said there will be no talks with the militants known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.
Earlier, Bhutto Zardari and Muttaqi also held talks with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang, a departure from recent years when such dialogue had been on hold, according to analysts, who say China is expanding its influence in the region. China also has played a role in the resumption of Saudi-Iran diplomatic ties.