Washington: US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to the principle to establish a four-fold diplomatic platform that focuses on increasing regional connectivity, the Biden government said.
“Parties consider the long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan which is critical of regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity strengthens each other,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Realizing the historical opportunity to open a growing interregional trade route, the parties intend to work together to expand trade, build a transit link, and strengthen business-to-business bonds, he said.
“The parties agreed to meet in the coming months to determine this cooperation modality with a shared consensus,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Afghan strategic location has long been mentioned as a competitive advantage for the US.
Afghanistan is limited by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast.
Located in the heart of the historic silk road, Afghanistan has long been a trade intersection between Asian countries that connects them to Europe, and increases religious, cultural and commercial contacts.
The formation of a new quad group is important in the midst of Chinese desires to expand the belt and its path initiative to Afghanistan.
Based on its location, Afghanistan can provide China with a strategic base for spreading its influence throughout the world.