This week, the foreign ministers of Iran, China, Pakistan, and Russia met in New York, on the edges of the United Nations General Assembly, and released a shared statement on the situation in Afghanistan. The meeting — their fourth quadripartite meeting — underlined common concerns and proposals about the country’s future.
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What the Statement Says
In their joint declaration, the four nations made several key points:
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Support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty
They affirmed that Afghanistan should remain independent, united, and stable, free from terrorism, war, and drug trafficking.
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Economic and humanitarian engagement
The statement backed regional initiatives to boost Afghanistan’s economy and stressed the importance of keeping trade, connectivity, and humanitarian support active. They pledged to expand economic cooperation and help Afghanistan integrate into regional systems.
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They also urged that humanitarian aid be delivered without political conditions.
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Adjustment of sanctions regime
The four countries suggested that the 1988 sanctions regime related to Afghanistan should be adjusted in line with realities on the ground. They cautioned against politicization and double standards, especially when deciding whether Taliban-affiliated individuals should be exempted from travel bans.
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Security & terrorism
The statement raised alarm over the presence of violent groups in Afghanistan, including Daesh (ISIL), Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jaish al-Adl, and others. The ministers demanded “effective, verifiable measures” from the Afghan authorities to dismantle these groups and stop them from recruiting, raising funds, acquiring weapons, or cooperating with foreign militants.
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No new foreign military bases
One of the more pointed demands was clear: the joint statement opposed the reestablishment of military bases in or around Afghanistan by external powers. They said such moves would harm stability and respect for Afghan sovereignty.
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Why This Joint Statement Matters
Regional message: By coordinating their position, these four countries are sending a unified message that Afghanistan’s neighbors and willing partners expect respect for Afghan sovereignty and caution against foreign military re-intervention.
Balancing influence: Each of the four signatories has strategic interests in Afghanistan. Their joint voice may counterbalance those of powers seeking influence in the region.
Focus on stability over confrontation: The emphasis on aid, economic engagement, and security suggests they favor a long-term, less confrontational approach — working through development and diplomacy more than force.
Pressure on Taliban: The statement implicitly pushes the Afghan de facto authorities (i.e. the Taliban) to act against militant groups and expand governance to include different groups.
Reaction to recent U.S. remarks: The demand against military bases came in response to U.S. President Trump’s comments about possibly regaining control over Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The four countries appear to oppose a return of direct U.S. military presence.
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Challenges & Uncertainties Ahead
Implementation: Having a statement is one thing; seeing real action — on terrorism, good governance, development — is much harder. It depends on cooperation from Afghanistan’s rulers and the resources these countries will commit.
Taliban response: How the Taliban government reacts will matter. If it sees these external demands as too intrusive, relations may sour.
Other powers: Nations not part of this group (e.g., the U.S., Gulf states) will also continue to try shaping Afghanistan’s future. These four states may find themselves competing over influence.
Sanctions and politics: Adjusting sanctions is politically sensitive. Not all countries will agree to softening them, especially if they see violations of human rights or governance by the Taliban.
In summary, the joint statement from Iran, China, Pakistan, and Russia marks a coordinated regional approach toward Afghanistan. It calls for respect for sovereignty, continued economic and humanitarian support, a crackdown on terrorism, and rejection of renewed foreign military bases. Whether that message leads to real change on the ground remains to be seen.