KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran have called on the Taliban to take action against terrorist groups, form an inclusive government, and improve conditions for women and minorities, while opposing any U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.
In a joint statement Thursday, following their meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, the foreign ministers and senior officials of the four countries expressed deep concern over the continued presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
The statement highlighted groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jaish al-Adl, and the Balochistan Liberation Army, warning that they pose serious threats to regional and global security.
The ministers called on the Taliban to take “effective, tangible, and verifiable” measures to dismantle these groups, prevent recruitment and financing, and shut down training camps and related infrastructure.
They emphasized support for an “independent, unified, and stable Afghanistan,” free from terrorism, war, and drugs.
The ministers also stressed the importance of inclusive governance representing all Afghan citizens, including ethnic and religious minorities. They highlighted that women and girls should have full access to education, employment, public life, justice, and basic services, noting that their participation is essential for Afghanistan’s peace and stability.
The Taliban have not responded to the statement. The group has previously denied the presence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, asserting that ISIS has been suppressed and that the country poses no threat to other nations. They also maintain that their government is inclusive and that women and girls’ rights are respected according to their interpretation of Islamic law.
The foreign ministers called on NATO members to take responsibility for the current situation in Afghanistan and to support its economic recovery and future development.
They stressed respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and opposed any re-establishment of U.S. military bases inside or near the country.
The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s request for the return of Bagram Air Base, 64 kilometers north of Kabul, citing counterterrorism concerns and its proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities. Trump warned that “bad things” could happen if the Taliban did not comply. The Taliban rejected the request, saying the base is not up for negotiation and urging Washington to engage without a military presence in Afghanistan.
