The foreign ministers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia, China, and Pakistan met on the sidelines of the summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
The four foreign ministers expressed their will to strengthen peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan and the entire region.
Stressing respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, they reemphasized the policy of the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle and emphasized the continued respect for the right to peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the Afghan people.
The ministers stressed the need to stay connected to states with primary responsibility for post-war social and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan to provide emergency economic and humanitarian assistance.
The four ministers highlighted the need for national reconciliation in Afghanistan and the formation of an inclusive government to serve the interests of all political and ethnic forces of the country.
Addressing security challenges rooted in Afghanistan, the foreign ministers stressed the need to coordinate efforts to counter threats, including the spread of terrorism and drug trafficking, to ensure regional stability and respond to the legitimate concerns of neighboring nations and their interests.
They expressed concerns about the fragile humanitarian, social, and economic situation in Afghanistan besides the dangers of a wave of displaced people in the region.
Stressing the need to revive peaceful life and improve the country's economic situation, the foreign ministers invited the international community to continue humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
They agreed to continue coordination among the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia, China, and Pakistan on Afghanistan and to hold meetings at the levels of ministers, special representatives, and ambassadors at the specified times.
The 21st summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Friday, with the participation of heads of 12 members and observer states, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
President Raisi along with top officials from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are present in the event, while presidents of Russia, China, India, and Mongolia take part in the summit via video conferencing.
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