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Kabul: Russia, Iran, China and Pakistan are ready to assist in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and develop economic ties with it, according to the joint statement of the four countries’ foreign ministers following an informal meeting in Samarkand.
“The ministers expressed their readiness to continue supporting peace in Afghanistan and its reconstruction, to carry out economic and trade deals [with it], as well as to invest [in its economy] with the assistance of countries of the region and the international community,” the statement, the text of which was published on Thursday.
In addition, “the ministers praised the reception of millions of Afghans by countries in the region, especially Iran and Pakistan, and called on the international community to provide these countries with the necessary support.” The ministers also called on members of the international community to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile the ministers called on the Afghan authorities to form an inclusive government involving all ethnic groups and political institutions and lift all restrictive measures against women.
Russia, Iran, China and Pakistan also urged the Afghan authorities to pursue a friendly foreign policy, respect international law and coexist in harmony with all countries. They supported “all diplomatic efforts to promote a political solution to Afghanistan’s problems,” and noted the positive role played in this regard by the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the conferences of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighbors and consultations on the Moscow negotiating platform.
The ministers noted that the US and its allies should take the responsibility for the current difficult situation in Afghanistan, immediately lift the unilateral sanctions imposed on Afghanistan and return foreign [Afghan] assets, according to the statement released by the Samarkand meeting participants.
