Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Sep 28: Pakistan and its key neighbours China and Iran have joined Russia in strongly opposing the establishment of any foreign military bases in or around Afghanistan, calling for the protection of Kabul’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The stand was outlined in a joint statement released after the Fourth Quadripartite Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia, held Thursday on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session.

“The four sides emphasised that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan should be respected, firmly opposed the reestablishment of military bases in and around Afghanistan by the countries responsible for the current situation, which is not conducive to regional peace and security,” the statement said.

The ministers asserted that NATO members must bear primary responsibility for Afghanistan’s current plight and create opportunities for the nation’s economic recovery and future development. They reiterated support for an independent, united and peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorism, war and narcotics, while endorsing regional initiatives aimed at economic uplift.

Expressing concern over the growing threat from ISIL, Al-Qaida, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant outfits, the four countries urged Kabul to dismantle terrorist networks, halt recruitment and funding, and shut training camps. They also called for stronger bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation.

The statement urged Afghan authorities to create conditions for the safe return of refugees, ensure their reintegration, and develop an inclusive governance system that reflects the aspirations of all segments of Afghan society. It stressed the importance of guaranteeing women and girls access to education, economic opportunities, public participation, and basic freedoms as key to Afghanistan’s stability.

Supporting diplomatic solutions, the four nations highlighted the roles of the United Nations, the Moscow Format, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in advancing a political settlement to the Afghan issue.