The head of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) said Afghanistan continues to face unresolved challenges over terrorism, women’s rights and social issues, warning that the situation remains a concern for the region.
Nurlan Yermekbayev, the SCO’s secretary-general, told Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti that Afghanistan’s economy is showing signs of recovery, but humanitarian and social problems persist. He said terrorism and restrictions on women’s rights remain among the most pressing issues.
He added that SCO member states share a consensus on Afghanistan’s problems and that the organisation is closely monitoring developments.
Yermekbayev’s comments followed remarks by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, who warned in a separate article that more than 23,000 foreign militants are currently active in Afghanistan.
Despite the challenges, Yermekbayev noted that SCO member states continue to engage bilaterally with the Taliban authorities. He cited the SCO leaders’ declaration of 4 July 2024, which stated that forming an inclusive government representing all ethnic and political groups is the only path to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The SCO, founded in 2001, counts Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Belarus as full members. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status, while dialogue partners include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Sri Lanka.
Yermekbayev’s remarks come ahead of the SCO leaders’ summit set for 31 August to 1 September in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin. The Taliban are not among the invitees.
