The foreign ministers of Iran, China, Pakistan, and Russia issued a joint statement during their third four-way meeting on Afghanistan, held on Friday, September 27, 2024.

The diplomats held the United States and NATO responsible for Afghanistan's current crisis and urged immediate actions to address the country's deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions.

The joint statement emphasized the group’s strong support for Afghanistan's national sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. The ministers stressed that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is essential for international cooperation and should not be used as a battleground for geopolitical competition.

The four countries expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in Afghanistan, particularly due to the presence of terrorist groups such as Daesh, al-Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jaish al-Adl, and the Baluchistan Liberation Army. The ministers highlighted the serious threat these groups pose to regional and global security and called for enhanced anti-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. They also urged Afghanistan to take comprehensive action against terrorism.

The foreign ministers criticized the destructive role of the United States and NATO in Afghanistan, holding them accountable for the country’s ongoing crisis. They called on NATO member states to take responsibility for Afghanistan’s current situation and to provide economic opportunities for the Afghan people. The joint statement also urged the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions and the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s assets.

The joint statement underscored the importance of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan that represents all segments of society. The ministers urged Afghan authorities to facilitate the return of refugees and prevent further migration.

The ministers praised Iran and Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and called on the international community to provide financial assistance to these nations.

The statement also urged against the politicization of humanitarian aid and called for continued support to Afghanistan to bolster its capacity for sustainable development. The ministers expressed their readiness to expand economic cooperation with Afghanistan and promote regional connectivity, aiming to integrate Afghanistan into broader regional economic efforts. (ILKHA)