WANA (Sep 26) – On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the fourth quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Russian Federation on Afghanistan was held at the invitation of Russia. The meeting focused on recent developments in Afghanistan and coordination of regional positions.

 

In their final statement, the four countries reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and stable state, and called for continued regional cooperation to help strengthen its political, economic, and security stability.

 

The statement highlighted the following points of agreement:

 

Support for Afghanistan’s independence: The parties stressed the need for an Afghanistan free of terrorism, war, and narcotics.

 

Economic and regional cooperation: They agreed to enhance trade, economic ties, and regional connectivity with Afghanistan to improve the country’s dire humanitarian and economic conditions.

 

Sanctions and restrictions: The ministers called for adjustments to the 1988 sanctions regime in light of current realities and urged avoidance of politicization in granting travel exemptions for Afghan officials.

 

Humanitarian assistance: The parties emphasized the need for urgent, impartial, and non-political humanitarian aid for the Afghan people.

 

Security threats: Expressing deep concern over terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, Jaish al-Adl, and others operating in Afghanistan, the four countries urged Afghan authorities to take verifiable and effective action to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent recruitment, financing, and foreign fighter involvement.

 

Counter-narcotics efforts: While welcoming the reduction in traditional opium cultivation, the ministers underlined the need to combat synthetic drug production, especially methamphetamines, and to promote alternative livelihoods with international support.

 

Afghan refugees: Afghan authorities were urged to facilitate conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees. The international community was called upon to provide adequate support to host countries, especially Iran and Pakistan, which have borne a heavy burden hosting millions of Afghans.

 

Inclusive governance: The ministers stressed the importance of establishing a broad-based and inclusive political structure in Afghanistan that reflects the aspirations of all ethnic and religious groups, while highlighting women and girls’ right to education, employment, mobility, and participation in public life.

 

Responsibility of NATO and the U.S.: The four countries stated that the U.S. and NATO must bear primary responsibility for Afghanistan’s current situation. They called for lifting unilateral sanctions, releasing frozen Afghan assets, and opposed any attempt to re-establish foreign military bases in or around Afghanistan.

 

Diplomatic processes: The statement reaffirmed support for all diplomatic efforts toward a political settlement, emphasizing the constructive role of the UN and regional frameworks such as the “Moscow Format,” the “Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Afghanistan’s Neighbors,” and the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”

China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia Call for Stability and Inclusive Governance in Afghanistan. Social media /WANA News Agency

China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia Call for Stability and Inclusive Governance in Afghanistan. Social media /WANA News Agency

Remarks by Iran’s Foreign Minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held the U.S. and NATO accountable for today’s challenges in Afghanistan, stating:

 

“The 2021 U.S. withdrawal was not the end of responsibility but rather a disgraceful retreat that left Afghanistan and its neighbors to deal with its consequences.”

 

He underlined Iran’s position and commitments:

 

  • The frozen assets of Afghanistan must be released unconditionally to stabilize its economy.

 

  • Counterterrorism must be comprehensive, non-discriminatory, and transparent.

 

  • Any re-establishment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan or its vicinity violates Afghan sovereignty and threatens regional stability.

 

Araghchi also highlighted Iran’s heavy humanitarian and economic burden in hosting millions of Afghan refugees despite limited international assistance, urging fairer global burden-sharing.

 

Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to an independent, united, and stable Afghanistan—free of terrorism, foreign domination, and narcotics.