KABUL (SW) – Authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meetings.
The heads of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in their meeting yesterday, which was held virtually and hosted by India, emphasized on preventing the spread of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, drug trafficking, the formation of an inclusive government, respect for human rights and the continuation of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is an observer member, however, for almost two years now, due to the lack of a legitimate government, it has been denied participation in its meetings. The SCO members have repeatedly expressed concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, especially the threats of terrorism in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, in response to the latest concerns of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which were raised in its meeting yesterday, requested the participation of the Islamic Emirate representatives in the meetings of this organization. The MFA has emphasized in its announcement that the non-attendance of the government of the Islamic Emirate in the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization can cause problems in dealing with existing concerns.
In a part of the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is stated: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes the holding of such meetings in order to create better harmony in order to ensure the security of the region and develop cooperation, and Afghanistan’s participation in such meetings (of which it has the observer membership) is its inalienable right. Knowing that not attending such meetings is an obstacle to all-round coordination to prevent insecurity and prohibit drug trafficking; humanitarian assistance; implementation of infrastructure projects; facilitation, cooperation and mutual confidence for the economic connection of the region.”
Analysts agree that the participation of the Islamic Emirate in such meetings can be the basis for solving the problems and concerns of the countries in the region regarding Afghanistan. Sayed Zia Hosseini, an expert on political issues, said: “If Afghanistan participates in such meetings, it can be effective, but if it is in the absence of the Afghan government, it often creates challenges instead of opportunities.”
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