US, Afghanistan, Pakistan & Uzbekistan to form new Quad, Afghan peace process a key focus area
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US, Afghanistan, Pakistan & Uzbekistan to form new Quad, Afghan peace process a key focus area

The US Friday said the new quadrilateral diplomatic platform will be focused on enhancing regional connectivity. Parties are yet to determine the modalities of this cooperation.

   
Representational image of an Afghan flag | Photo: Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg

Representational image of an Afghan flag | Photo: Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg

Washington: The United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, have agreed in principle to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform focused on enhancing regional connectivity, the Biden administration has said.

The parties consider long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan critical to regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing, the State Department said on Friday.

Recognising the historic opportunity to open flourishing interregional trade routes, the parties intend to cooperate to expand trade, build transit links, and strengthen business-to-business ties, it said.

The parties agreed to meet in the coming months to determine the modalities of this cooperation with mutual consensus, said the State Department. – PTI


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