MONITORING (SW) – In a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states held on Tuesday, May 21, in Astana, Kazakhstan, the situation in Afghanistan was among the key topics discussed.
Reports indicate that SCO member countries emphasized cooperation with Afghanistan to ensure stability, combat terrorism, and curb drug trafficking.
Analysts highlight the significant role the SCO can play in resolving Afghanistan’s issues, noting that member states can help Afghanistan emerge from political uncertainty by persuading the current government to meet international demands and by lobbying for Afghanistan in global politics.
Abdul Jabar Akbari, a political analyst, told Salam Watandar, “If these countries reach a consensus on ending the current situation, establishing a political framework, resolving existing tensions, and bringing Afghanistan closer to the international community, it is within the organization’s capabilities. This depends on the member states’ understanding that Afghanistan is in a difficult situation and must integrate with the international community.”
In addition to SCO members’ emphasis on cooperation with Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, called for assurances from the de-facto government on combating terrorism and proposed the establishment of an SCO contact group for Afghanistan.
analysts believe that addressing regional concerns and Afghanistan’s problems requires consensus among regional countries, especially SCO member states.
Najib Rahman Shamal, a political analyst, said, “The SCO, composed of regional countries, plays a crucial role in addressing challenges in the region, provided these countries pursue common objectives.”
Sadeq Shinwari, a security affairs analyst, added, “The goal of the SCO is to integrate Afghanistan into the organization and alleviate members’ concerns about terrorist activities in Afghanistan.”
The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on the statements made regarding Afghanistan during the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting, and spokespersons for the government did not respond to Salam Watandar’s inquiries on the matter.
It is worth noting that, in addition to discussing Afghanistan, the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting also covered developments in the Middle East and the appointment of a new Secretary-General for the organization.
