On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia called on the Taliban to dismantle terrorist groups, form an inclusive government, and improve conditions for women, girls, and minority communities in Afghanistan, according to a joint statement issued Thursday.
The statement, issued following the fourth round of quadrilateral talks on Afghanistan—initiated by Russia—reaffirmed support for an independent, united, and stable Afghanistan free from terrorism, war, and drug trafficking. The ministers also expressed readiness to expand regional economic cooperation with the country.
Highlighting growing security concerns, the foreign ministers voiced deep alarm over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including the Islamic State (IS), al-Qaida, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Jaish al-Adl, and the Balochistan Liberation Army. They warned that these groups continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security. The ministers urged the Taliban to take “effective, verifiable measures” to eliminate all terrorist organizations, prevent recruitment, fundraising, and weapon acquisition, and dismantle terrorist training camps and infrastructure within Afghan territory.
On the humanitarian front, the statement underscored the urgent need for international assistance to Afghans, emphasizing that aid must be delivered free from political considerations. The ministers highlighted efforts by Afghan authorities to curb opium cultivation and called for stronger action against synthetic drug production and trafficking.
The joint communiqué also stressed the importance of establishing an inclusive political system that reflects the will of all Afghan people, including ethnic and religious minorities. The ministers called for full access for women and girls to education, employment, public life, justice, and essential services, underlining that their active participation is vital for the country’s peace and prosperity.
Addressing the situation of Afghan refugees, the foreign ministers urged the Taliban to facilitate voluntary returns and support reintegration programs. They also expressed appreciation to Iran and Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and called on the international community to provide sustainable financial support to refugee-hosting countries.
The ministers further called on NATO members to take responsibility for the consequences of their military involvement in Afghanistan, urging the lifting of unilateral sanctions, the return of frozen Afghan assets, and the avoidance of establishing foreign military bases in or around the country.
Finally, the statement endorsed all diplomatic efforts toward a political solution in Afghanistan and reaffirmed support for regional mechanisms, including the Moscow Format, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The ministers welcomed the recent four-party meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan held on September 12 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and pledged to continue regular consultations.
