In a joint statement, the four countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Afghanistan as an independent, united, and stable country, free from terrorism, war, and narcotics.
Economic Support And Sanctions Relief
The ministers expressed support for regional initiatives to strengthen Afghanistan’s economy and emphasized the importance of continued economic engagement with the country to improve the dire conditions of its people. They also called for easing the 1988 sanctions regime in light of realities on the ground and warned against politicization and double standards, particularly regarding travel ban exemptions for Taliban officials.
Since August 2022, sanctioned Taliban leaders have been granted travel ban exemptions nearly four dozen times for both official and personal reasons. Russia, in recent weeks, has criticized the new stance of the US to politicize the work of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and use it for its own narrow interests.
Humanitarian Aid
They emphasized the need for sustained humanitarian assistance, urging the international community to provide more emergency aid to the Afghan people without regard for political considerations.
Security Concerns
The statement voiced deep concern over the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan, naming groups such as Daesh, al-Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish al-Adl, and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as serious risks to regional and global security. The ministers called on Afghan authorities to take verifiable measures to dismantle all terrorist groups, prevent recruitment and financing, and shut down training camps and infrastructure.
Counter-Narcotics Cooperation
The four countries praised efforts to reduce opium cultivation, but noted the surge in synthetic opioids such as methamphetamines. They urged comprehensive counter-narcotics measures, including joint action against organized crime networks and international support for alternative livelihoods and agriculture.
Blame On NATO
The four foreign ministers stated that NATO members bear primary responsibility for Afghanistan’s current situation. They demanded the lifting of unilateral sanctions, the return of frozen Afghan assets, and opposed any re-establishment of foreign military bases in or around Afghanistan.
Mojtaba Darabi - H.Jalalifar
