US, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan to establish quadrilateral platform 'to enhance regional connectivity'
Four countries agree to meet in coming months to determine modalities of cooperation with mutual consensus
July 16, 2021
The United States, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday agreed in principle to setup a "new quadrilateral diplomatic platform" focusing on "enhancing regional connectivity", said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
"Representatives of the United States, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed in principle to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform focused on enhancing regional connectivity," read the statement, which was also issued by the US State Department.
The statement said that the four countries agreed that "long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan" is "critical for regional-connectivity". It also said that the countries were unanimous in agreeing that "peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing".
"Recognising the historic opportunity to open flourishing international trade routes, the parties intend to cooperate to expand trade, build transit links and strengthen business-to-business ties," said the FO.
The parties agreed to meet in the coming months to determine the modalities of this cooperation with mutual consensus.
