The United States, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan establish a quadrilateral platform to “strengthen regional connectivity”

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the United States, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed in principle on Friday to establish a “new quadrilateral diplomatic platform” with a focus on “strengthening regional connectivity.”

“The representatives of the United States, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan agreed in principle to establish a new four-sided diplomatic platform, with a focus on strengthening regional connectivity,” the statement issued by the US State Department reads.

The statement said that the four countries agreed that “long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan” are essential to “regional connectivity.” It also stated that all countries agreed that “peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing.”

“Recognizing the historical opportunity to open up a prosperous international trade route, the two sides intend to cooperate to expand trade, establish transit links and strengthen business-to-business links,” FO said.

The two parties agreed to hold a meeting in the next few months to jointly negotiate and determine the form of such cooperation.