China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia Issue Joint Statement on Afghanistan Amid UN General Assembly
On September 25, 2025, the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia held their fourth quadrilateral meeting on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stability, and development. The statement emphasized support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and stable country and underscored the importance of respecting its territorial integrity.
The ministers expressed deep concern over the presence of terrorist groups, including ISIL, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jaish ul-Adl, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and the Majeed Brigade. They urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete, verifiable measures to dismantle terrorist networks, prevent recruitment, stop fundraising and weapons access, and close any terrorist training facilities.
The statement also reiterated strong opposition to the establishment of new foreign military bases in and around Afghanistan, linking the country’s ongoing challenges to past foreign interventions and calling for a focus on economic recovery and development. On humanitarian issues, the ministers highlighted the need for conditions that allow the voluntary return of refugees and their reintegration into Afghan society. They acknowledged the role of neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran, in hosting Afghan refugees and stressed the importance of international support in sharing this responsibility.
Furthermore, the four nations emphasized economic cooperation and regional integration, backing initiatives aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s economy and improving the humanitarian situation. They expressed readiness to expand trade, economic ties, and regional connectivity to facilitate Afghanistan’s integration into regional economic frameworks. The joint statement concluded with a shared commitment to enhance regional cooperation to support Afghanistan’s path toward peace, stability, and prosperity while addressing the complex challenges facing the country.
