Shaheen Calls for Afghanistan’s Full Membership in SCO

Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate ambassador to Qatar has said that the participation of representatives of the current government in all regional and international meetings related to Afghanistan is essential.

According to Suhail Shaheen, the presence of Islamic Emirate representatives at meetings concerning Afghanistan could help address existing challenges.

Speaking Shaheen said that the Islamic Emirate seeks Afghanistan’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Suhail Shaheen, the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador to Qatar, said: “Afghanistan’s membership in international forums and institutions should be restored. We also call on all freedom-loving countries to join us in regional and international forums and support efforts to restore Afghanistan’s official membership in these organizations and platforms.”

The Islamic Emirate’s call for Afghanistan’s full membership in the SCO comes as Russia’s presidential envoy for SCO affairs recently also emphasized the revival of the organization’s Contact Group on Afghanistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow last week marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO, Bakhtiyor Khakimov said that most member states support this position.

Political analyst Aziz Maarij said: “If Afghanistan is granted full and permanent membership, it would be a major achievement for the country. Such membership is not tied to a particular government and would remain in place.”

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded on June 15, 2001.

Afghanistan has held observer status in the organization since 2012.