Kabul / New York — Kabul has welcomed the collective stance of Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran press for Afghan stability opposing any foreign military bases on Afghan soil, calling the move a recognition of Kabul’s sovereignty and a step toward regional peace.
Deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Hamdullah Fitrat, said in a statement that Afghanistan’s territory “will not be allowed to be used against any other country” and that “no armed group will be permitted to operate within Afghanistan.” He dismissed as “baseless” the perception that Afghanistan poses threats to neighboring states, insisting that the Islamic Emirate is acting against corruption, narcotics, and “all undesirable activities.”
Also See: Afghan Soil Won’t Be Used for Terror Against Pakistan: Hamdullah Fitrat
Regional Consensus Emerging
The announcement follows a joint statement issued last week by Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan after their fourth Quadripartite Meeting on Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The four nations declared Afghanistan should remain independent, united, and peaceful while opposing the reestablishment of foreign military bases in or around the country.
The four also called for dismantling terrorist safe havens, combating narcotics trafficking, ensuring refugee return, and promoting inclusive governance in Kabul. They emphasized that frameworks such as the Moscow Format and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) were best suited to resolve Afghanistan’s challenges.
Analysts say the Taliban’s quick endorsement of the four-nation position is intended to reinforce their narrative that Afghanistan’s problems should be solved through regional mechanisms rather than Western involvement.
Kabul’s Diplomatic Messaging
Fitrat stressed that the Islamic Emirate seeks positive relations with all countries on the basis of mutual respect, describing it as a realistic and pragmatic approach. He added that Afghanistan’s foreign policy prioritizes mutual trust, constructive engagement, and the promotion of friendly ties.
The Taliban spokesperson further rejected false apprehensions or baseless allegations about Afghanistan, reiterating that Kabul’s policies are aimed at ensuring stability and development.
By aligning itself with the position of its four influential neighbors, the Islamic Emirate appears eager to strengthen its international legitimacy, particularly at a time when it faces criticism from Western governments over restrictions on women’s rights and the presence of extremist groups on Afghan territory.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Observers argue the four-nation support provides the Taliban with crucial diplomatic cover, offering opportunity for the Islamic Emirate to consolidate its political and economic relations in the region.
Kabul’s willingness to respond positively to the concerns of its neighbors could advance the process of confidence-building, particularly amid regional unease over groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), both of which were explicitly named in the quadripartite statement as security threats emanating from Afghan soil.
For Pakistan, which has long pressed Kabul to act against cross-border militancy, the collective acknowledgement of the TTP and BLA as regional threats represents a diplomatic success.
Regional vs. Western Approaches
The quadrilateral statement also criticized NATO members, declaring they should bear “primary responsibility for the current plight in Afghanistan,” while calling for the lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of Afghan assets abroad.
The Taliban have echoed these demands repeatedly, arguing that Western policies of isolation have worsened Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crises. Fitrat’s remarks suggest Kabul sees alignment with regional powers as both a shield against Western pressure and a pathway toward greater legitimacy.
Path Ahead
While the Taliban continue to face international scrutiny over their governance, particularly regarding women’s rights, regional countries appear increasingly inclined to work with Kabul to secure their own security and economic interests.
By welcoming the stance of Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan, Kabul is positioning itself as a cooperative partner in regional stability, a message it hopes will counterbalance the skepticism of Western governments and international organizations.
Whether this alignment leads to tangible changes, from improved counterterrorism cooperation to refugee reintegration and inclusive governance, remains uncertain. But for now, the Taliban see in the quadripartite consensus not only a diplomatic lifeline but also a narrative shift that Afghanistan’s stability is first and foremost a regional responsibility.