New York Monitoring Desk
The fourth quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, hosted by Russia. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the release of a joint statement following the meeting, where the four parties discussed the situation in Afghanistan.
The statement reaffirmed the parties’ support for an independent, united, and peaceful Afghanistan. The ministers emphasized the urgent need for an Afghanistan free from terrorism, war, and narcotics. They also urged Afghan authorities to dismantle terrorist infrastructure operating on Afghan soil.
The declaration highlighted the support for effective regional measures to improve Afghanistan’s economy and stressed the importance of maintaining economic ties with Afghanistan. The parties expressed their willingness to expand economic, trade, and regional cooperation with Afghanistan.
Additionally, the statement underscored the importance of continuing urgent humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The ministers expressed deep concern over the security situation related to terrorism in the country. They also emphasized facilitating the voluntary return of Afghan refugees and stressed the importance of providing girls access to education, employment, and economic opportunities.
