Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has stressed the need for Afghanistan to participate in meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), saying the country is important to the region from economic, security, political, and social perspectives. The SCO summit was held in Kyrgyzstan, but the Taliban did not attend.
Mujahid said on Tuesday, September 1, that decisions made at SCO meetings without the participation of the Taliban administration would be “incomplete” at the regional level. He urged member states to take into account Afghanistan’s importance and its role in regional developments.
The Taliban spokesperson also said the SCO should not become a “victim of certain political agendas.” He claimed that some countries are attempting to prevent Afghanistan from participating in the meetings and are seeking to block representatives of the Taliban administration from taking part in the process.
Mujahid added that if member states do not accept Afghanistan’s participation or prevent the country from attending SCO meetings, decisions reached at the regional level would lack the necessary practical value and effectiveness.
Meanwhile, in their final declaration, the leaders of SCO member states reaffirmed their support for international efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan. They also highlighted Afghanistan’s importance to regional security and stability.
The member states said in the declaration that the formation of an inclusive government involving representatives of Afghanistan’s ethnic and political groups is the only path toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.
The security section of the declaration also emphasized the continued fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The leaders further stressed the need to counter the cross-border movement of terrorists and strengthen security cooperation among SCO member states.
Combating drug trafficking was another key issue addressed in the final declaration. Member states called for stronger joint efforts to counter security threats and drug trafficking in the region.
writer:Salima Aryaei
