On 15 July 2021, representatives of the United States of America, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan decided to create a new quadrilateral platform for consultations, in Tashkent.

Noting the timeliness and relevance of the International Conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” to be held in Tashkent, the parties believe that regional connectivity is important for establishing long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, and also agreed that peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing factors.

It is stated that the announcement of the US – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan quadrilateral format to support the Afghan peace process and Post-conflict settlement on July 15, 2021 “Representatives of the US, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan as a whole agreed to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

The parties believe that long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan are crucial for regional connectivity and express the common opinion that peace and regional ties mutually strengthen each other.

Recognizing the historic opportunity for further development of effective international trade routes, the parties hope to cooperate to enhance trade, create transit routes and strengthen business ties.

The parties agreed to meet in the coming months to determine the terms of this cooperation by mutual consensus”.

UzA