Nations Stress Peace, Tackle Terrorism in Afghanistan

Islamabad, Oct 7 (PTI) — On Tuesday, representatives from Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran reiterated their unified commitment to ensuring a "stable and peaceful" Afghanistan. However, they also expressed concerns regarding the lingering presence of terrorist groups within the nation. This meeting, known as the Quadrilateral Meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan, was held in Moscow. It served as a platform for these four nations to discuss key issues related to regional peace and security. This was confirmed by a statement from Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan's special envoy to Afghanistan. Currently in Russia, Sadiq shared on X that they engaged in detailed discussions during the quadrilateral meeting. "The participating states unanimously reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a stable, sovereign, and peaceful Afghanistan, underscoring the necessity of a country free from the scourge of terrorism and external intervention," he reported. "A particular point of concern was the continued presence of designated terrorist organizations, such as TTP, BLA, ETIM, Jaish-ul-adl, ISIL, and Al-Qaeda," he noted. "In light of this shared threat, the nations emphasized the critical importance of enhanced coordination and collaborative action to combat terrorism in all its manifestations." This meeting was a precursor to the 7th meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, which would take place later that day. The event would see participation from countries like India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as indicated on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website. Sadiq also mentioned separate meetings he had with his counterparts from Russia, China, and Iran on the sidelines of the conference. In his discussions with Chinese Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, they focused on regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan. The dialogue highlighted the importance of a coordinated strategy to foster lasting peace and stability in the region, reflecting the robust partnership between Pakistan and China. Sadiq further elaborated on his interaction with his Russian counterpart, Zamir Kabulov, focusing on measures to boost regional cooperation concerning Afghanistan. In his meeting with Iran's Muhammad Reza Bahrami in Moscow, they delved into the latest developments in Afghanistan and exchanged views on shared concerns, particularly the enduring threat of terrorism. Both parties stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue and coordination to tackle common challenges. Additionally, they looked into potential avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening regional engagement to bolster stability and security.