Key points
- Russia first to recognise Islamic Emirate
- Afghan leaders seek economic cooperation
- Militant presence poses regional threat
ISLAMABAD: Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has suggested that it is time to consider resuming formal relations between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Afghanistan, highlighting that the majority of SCO member states are in favour of the initiative.
As reported by Ariana News, Shoigu, in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta, emphasised that Russia and Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries agree on the significance of restoring Afghanistan as a stable, independent state free from drugs and terrorism.
He proposed the revival of a dedicated SCO contact group for Afghanistan as a starting point.
Shoigu further recalled that on 3 July 2025, Russia became the first nation to officially recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), with the aim of enhancing cooperation in trade, economics, humanitarian assistance, and regional security—including efforts to combat terrorism and narcotics.
Constructive political dialogue
He mentioned that these matters were discussed during his visit to Kabul in November 2024, where Afghan officials expressed a strong interest in constructive political dialogue with Moscow and identified possible areas for economic partnership.
According to Shoigu, the Afghan leadership recognises the necessity of providing a secure environment for investors and economic stakeholders as a key component of the country’s development. He observed that more regional nations are forging deeper ties with Afghanistan, in line with a shifting geopolitical climate.
Shoigu claimed that over 23,000 militants linked to approximately 20 international terrorist groups are operating within Afghanistan, posing a grave threat to both the region and the broader international community—a claim previously dismissed by the Islamic Emirate.
Facing Western sanctions
He acknowledged that despite facing Western sanctions, the Islamic Emirate is making efforts to combat terrorist organisations, particularly the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), to the best of its ability.
Shoigu also alleged that Western intelligence agencies are aiding the movement of militants from other regions into Afghanistan, aiming to destabilise areas close to the borders of Russia, China, and Iran by supporting extremist groups opposed to the Emirate.
He further asserted that while Western nations publicly maintain a stance of non-recognition, they are in fact working to restore NATO’s presence in the region and have stepped up political engagement with Kabul.
