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Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, announced Moscow’s intention to support Afghanistan’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under certain conditions.
In a statement reported by the TASS news agency, Kabulov outlined that Russia’s support hinges on the recognition of the current government in Afghanistan. He emphasized that the recognition of the Taliban, currently outlawed in Russia, would be a prerequisite for Moscow’s backing of Afghanistan’s SCO membership.
“If the Taliban movement, currently outlawed in Russia, is recognized,” Kabulov stated at a briefing, “Moscow will support Afghanistan’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
The Islamic Emirate, welcoming Russia’s stance, viewed it as a positive step towards enhancing regional cooperation and stability. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, expressed optimism, stressing the importance of expanding political and economic ties with neighboring countries, including those within the SCO framework.
“These are positive steps being taken,” Mujahid remarked, “and the only solution to the issues between Afghanistan and regional countries is expanding economic and diplomatic relations.”
Kabulov stressed the necessity for Afghanistan to stabilize its economy to align with the SCO’s economic objectives. He emphasized that Afghanistan must demonstrate readiness to integrate economically with other SCO member states for its membership to be deemed feasible.
“Afghanistan should also put its economy in some kind of order for other SCO members to view its accession as reasonable,” Kabulov emphasized.
This development has prompted discussions among experts regarding Afghanistan’s strategic positioning amid competing regional interests. Masood, an economic expert, highlighted the potential for Afghanistan to leverage its relationships with both Eastern and Western powers to safeguard its national interests.
“The Afghan government can take actions among the eastern and western powers for our national interests,” Masood asserted, “and define the interests of the East and West based on our national interests.”
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with its member states including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, India, and Pakistan, stands as a pivotal forum for fostering regional collaboration across diverse domains. Additionally, Afghanistan and four other nations have been extended invitations to participate as observers.
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