The foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran have called on the Taliban administration in Afghanistan to take decisive action against militant groups operating from its soil.
The demand came during the Fourth Quadrilateral Meeting of the four countries’ foreign ministers, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In a joint statement, the ministers expressed “deep concern” over the continued presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, warning that they posed a serious threat to both regional and global security.
The statement named several groups, including ISIL, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jaish ul-Adl, the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and the Majeed Brigade. The ministers urged the Taliban to dismantle any terrorist training camps or infrastructure and ensure Afghan territory is not used against its neighbors.
The four countries also emphasized the need for the Taliban to form an inclusive government, improve conditions for women and other groups, and block terrorist recruitment, funding, and access to weapons.
The 11-point joint statement reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and stable country, while stressing the importance of expanding regional economic cooperation and connectivity.
On sanctions, the ministers called for adjusting the 1988 sanctions regime to reflect current realities and pressed for increased humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
They also welcomed efforts to curb poppy cultivation but urged greater cooperation against synthetic drugs and meth production.
On the refugee crisis, the ministers called on Afghan authorities to create safe conditions for voluntary returns. They acknowledged the role of Pakistan and Iran in hosting millions of Afghan refugees and urged the international community to share this burden.
