A joint statement of an informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Russian, Pakistan and Iran, said the NATO member countries should “bear primary responsibility for the predicament in Afghanistan, should create opportunities for economic development and prosperity in Afghanistan, should instantly lift unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan and return its overseas assets, for the benefits of Afghan people.”

A two-day conference of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbors was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan,  and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended.

The participants said that the ministers stressed the need for “dialogue and consultation" as "the only way out for the political settlement of the Afghan issue.”

The participants of the informal meeting stated they “firmly opposed the reestablishment of military bases in and around Afghanistan by these countries responsible for the current situation, which is not conducive to regional peace and stability."

The ministers reiterated respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and support for the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle to determine the country's political future and development path.

They also underscored that all members of the international community have interests in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, a “country that should be a venue for international cooperation rather than a stage for geopolitical rivalries.”

They emphasized their deep concerns regarding the terrorism-related security situation in Afghanistan, according to the statement. The participants “pointed out that all terrorist groups, namely the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-KP), Al-Qaeda, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jaish al-Adl etc. based in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security.” 

However, they also acknowledged the Afghan interim government's efforts to counter ISIS-KP.  

They called on the Afghan authorities to take effective measures to protect the safety, security and legitimate rights of foreign institutions and citizens.  

The deputy spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, quoted Muttaqi as saying that an opportunity has been created for Afghanistan to play a role as an economic and transit partner in the region and that the Islamic Emirate is ready to take action as a responsible government in this regard. 

He said that instability in Afghanistan is not benefitting any country.  

Meanwhile, the participants of the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Russian, Pakistan and Iran called for the formation of an inclusive government with the practical participation of all ethnic groups and political entities, and for the cancellation of all restrictive measures on women and ethnic minorities.