Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to continue providing humanitarian and technical assistance to Afghanistan.
“We urge SCO countries to sustain their support for Afghanistan’s recovery and its integration into regional and economic processes,” Tokayev emphasized during the Council of Heads of State meeting.
He highlighted Kazakhstan’s active involvement in implementing key infrastructure and logistics projects within Afghanistan aimed at strengthening cross-border connectivity. Among the major initiatives is Kazakhstan’s support for the construction of the Trans-Afghanistan Railway, following a memorandum of understanding signed in July.
Kazakhstan is also prepared to increase exports of agricultural products, fuel, lubricants, mineral fertilizers, and chemical goods to Afghanistan, while expanding imports of Afghan goods.
The President drew special attention to the opening of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty in August. He proposed leveraging the Center’s potential to coordinate efforts and boost regional cooperation in priority areas, including environmental protection, education, and sustainable development.
Afghanistan, facing a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, requires consistent international support to rebuild its infrastructure, agriculture, and transport corridors. Kazakhstan is emerging as a key partner in this effort, engaging both within the SCO framework and through cooperation with the United Nations.
The SCO, which unites China, Russia, India, Central Asian states, and other member countries, continues to play a vital role in promoting regional stability and sustainable development.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 1, 2025