BISHKEK: Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states have once again called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, saying the participation of all ethnic and political groups is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the war-torn country.
In a declaration issued during the SCO summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, member states expressed their support for international efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
The leaders said Afghanistan should emerge as an independent and neutral state free from terrorism and drug trafficking, reiterating concerns over security threats emanating from the country.
The SCO has made similar calls for an inclusive political system in Afghanistan in previous years. However, the Taliban has consistently rejected demands for a broader-based government, arguing that such calls amount to interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
Focus on regional security
The SCO declaration placed considerable emphasis on countering terrorism, separatism and extremism, with member states stressing the need for stronger regional cooperation against security threats.
The leaders declared the use of terrorist organisations for political or other self-serving purposes unacceptable and rejected what they described as double standards in international counterterrorism efforts.
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They also underscored the central role of the United Nations in addressing terrorism and called for stronger measures to prevent terrorists from crossing international borders. SCO members agreed on the importance of continuing security cooperation, including regular joint counterterrorism exercises and closer coordination to combat drug trafficking.
As part of efforts to strengthen regional security mechanisms, the organisation approved regulations concerning the SCO Centre for Countering Security Challenges and Threats in Tashkent and the Executive Committee of the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe.
Economic and regional cooperation
Beyond security concerns, the summit also addressed economic and development-related cooperation among member states. Discussions covered trade and transit links, energy, agriculture and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The member states also welcomed progress towards the creation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Development Bank, which is intended to support greater economic cooperation within the bloc. The declaration reiterated that the SCO is not a military-political alliance and stressed the importance of resolving international disputes and conflicts through peaceful means.
Afghanistan remains a significant concern for SCO members
Afghanistan remains a significant concern for SCO members because of its potential implications for regional security, particularly in relation to terrorism, extremism, militancy and narcotics trafficking.
The organisation has repeatedly urged the establishment of a political system in Afghanistan that represents the country’s diverse ethnic and political groups. Afghanistan has held observer status in the SCO since 2012. However, no representative of the Taliban administration attended the Bishkek summit.
The latest SCO declaration therefore represents a renewed regional call for political inclusivity in Afghanistan, alongside demands for stronger action against security and drug-trafficking threats.
