Washington: The Joe Biden administration in the US has said that the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan are in principle to establish a new diplomatic forum focused on enhancing regional connectivity. vehemently agreed.
“All sides regard long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan as vital to regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity are mutually strengthened,” the State Department said on Friday. Recognizing the historic opportunity to open up intra-regional trade routes, the Department said that all sides intend to cooperate to expand trade, build transit links and strengthen mutual trade ties.
“All sides have agreed to meet in the coming months to determine the modalities for this by mutual consent and mutual cooperation,” the State Department said. The strategic location of Afghanistan has long been considered a competitive advantage for the country. Afghanistan is bordered 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 Route, Afghanistan has long been a medium for trade connecting Asian countries with Europe and promoting cultural, religious, and commercial links. The formation of the Quad group assumes significance amid China’s ambition to expand its Belt Road Initiative (BRI) to Afghanistan. The BRI is a multi-billion dollar plan launched by President Xi Jinping after coming to power in 2013. The objective of this scheme is to connect Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Gulf regions, Africa and Europe by sea and road. Because of its geographical location, Afghanistan can provide a strategic base for China to increase its dominance around the world.
Violence has escalated in the country since the announcement of the withdrawal of US security forces from Afghanistan by August 31 and the process of a peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban slowed down.
