(VOVworld) - A quadrilateral meeting on peace in Afghanistan issued a joint statement on Monday, calling for immediate talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Afghan displaced children stand outside their tents in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

The first meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) - Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and the US - on Afghan peace and reconciliation process was held in Islamabad weeks after the four nations agreed to jointly work for a political solution to the Afghan problem.

The participants emphasized the immediate need for direct talks between representatives of the Government of Afghanistan and representatives from Taliban groups in a peace process that aims to preserve Afghanistan's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity," according to the joint statement.

All four countries underscored the importance of bringing an end to the conflict in Afghanistan that continues to inflict violence on Afghan people and also breeds insecurity throughout the region.

The document noted that the discussions focused on undertaking a clear and realistic assessment of the opportunities for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, anticipated obstacles and measures that would help create conducive environment for commencement of peace talks, with the shared goal of reducing violence and establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan..