SCO Leaders to Discuss Afghanistan at Bishkek Summit
The situation in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, scheduled for September 1 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
According to information from the SCO Secretariat, counterterrorism, drug trafficking and security concerns related to borders will be among the main issues in discussions on Afghanistan.
Moeen Gul Samkani, a political analyst, said: “Most SCO members are Asian countries, and the organization occasionally holds discussions on Afghanistan with other parties, including the United Nations. It is not unlikely that Afghanistan could also become a member of the organization.”
Afghanistan is set to feature in the SCO leaders’ discussions after the organization’s deputy secretary-general previously said member states were considering reviving the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group.
Ahmad Saeed Moradzadeh stressed that Afghanistan remains a focus of attention for SCO member states and is expected to be mentioned in the final declaration of the Bishkek summit.
Faridullah Zazi, another political analyst, said: “SCO members also have disagreements among themselves. For example, there are differences between China and India, as well as between India and Pakistan. These disagreements have also affected the organization’s engagement and approach toward Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan currently holds observer status in the SCO. Despite the Islamic Emirate’s request for full membership, the organization has yet to make a decision on the matter.
The Islamic Emirate has not been invited to this year’s SCO summit either.
