Tajikistan hosted a special consultative meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members in Dushanbe to address the escalating challenges in Afghanistan, the Tajik Government’s press service reported.
Focused entirely on the Afghan crisis, the talks brought together senior diplomats to assess the situation’s impact on regional security and stability — and to coordinate practical cooperation aimed at fostering peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue and joint action to support long-term stability — with a clear, unified message: the formation of an inclusive government in Kabul remains a top regional priority.
“The central theme of our discussions was the urgent need for more effective coordination among SCO members on Afghanistan,” said Reza Bahrami, Director General for South Asia at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who attended the consultations.
The meeting reflects growing regional concern over Afghanistan’s uncertain trajectory — and its ambiguous status within the SCO itself. Before the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan held observer status. Since then, formal cooperation has been suspended, and the group has pointedly excluded Taliban representatives from high-level events — including the most recent SCO summit — signaling a lack of consensus on recognition.
As noted by Eurasiatoday.ru, this diplomatic limbo underscores the deep divisions among SCO members regarding engagement with the de facto authorities.
At previous meetings, SCO members — led by Tajikistan — have consistently emphasized that any viable political solution in Afghanistan must include all ethnic and political groups. Additionally, the organization insists on intensified joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism emanating from Afghan territory.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Sept. 12, 2025