Fifth Meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China

The fifth meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process was held in Islamabad on 18 May 2016. Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mr. Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry hosted the meeting. Other delegations were led by Afghan President’s Special Envoy and Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Dr. Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, the Special Representative of the United States for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Richard G. Olson, and China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs Ambassador Deng Xijun.

The QCG reiterated that violence serves no purpose and that peace negotiations remain the only option for a political settlement. In this respect, QCG countries reaffirmed to use their respective leverages and influences.

The QCG strongly condemned the April 19 terrorist attack in Kabul and underscored that those who perpetrate such acts of terrorism should be ready to face consequences of their actions.

The QCG expressed their continued determination with shared commitment to advance the goal of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.

The next QCG meeting will be convened as mutually agreed.

Islamabad
18 May 2016

192/2016