Fourth Quadrilateral Foreign Ministers meeting: China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia push for Afghan peace

NEW YORK, Sept 25: The foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia held their fourth Quadrilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session to discuss Afghanistan’s situation. The ministers issued a joint statement highlighting their shared concerns and commitments.

The four countries reaffirmed their desire to see Afghanistan as a free, united, and peaceful state. They agreed on the need to end terrorism, war, and drug trafficking in the country. The ministers also stressed stabilizing Afghanistan’s economy and improving regional connectivity.

They called for adjusting the 1988 sanctions regime in line with current realities and appealed for greater humanitarian aid for the Afghan people. Expressing serious concern over terrorist groups such as TTP, BLA, Al-Qaeda, ETIM, and ISIL, the ministers urged Afghan authorities to take effective and verifiable action against them.

The statement also emphasized blocking terrorist recruitment, funding, and access to weapons, while ensuring Afghan soil is not used against neighbors. The ministers highlighted the importance of stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, appreciated efforts to reduce poppy cultivation, and called for joint action against synthetic drugs and meth production.

On refugees, they urged Afghan authorities to create conditions for safe returns. The joint statement recognized Pakistan and Iran for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and urged the international community to share the burden.

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