The countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should interact more actively with Afghanistan, especially in view of the attempts of the United States, which is “again trying to interfere” in the affairs of the Asian country central. This was stated by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a press conference after the talks with the foreign ministers of the SCO countries.
“There is compelling factual evidence that Americans support terrorist groups that remain in Afghanistan and oppose the Taliban*, including the Islamic State*, including the Turkestan Islamic Movement* and including Al- Qaeda*. The Americans are not giving up on their attempts to reintroduce their military infrastructure in the region around Afghanistan, in Central Asia. Everyone is well aware of the grave danger of such attempts, and we will strongly oppose them,” Lavrov said, responding to a question from Russian media about Afghanistan’s status in the SCO.
In 2012, official Kabul received observer status in the SCO, but intended to join.
For its part, Russia suggested to the participants of the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting to “rapidly intensify” the work of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group, the minister noted.
“Today we agreed to activate the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, it exists, but it hasn’t met for a long time. One reason is the status of the Taliban*, which is not yet recognized de jure, as we all expect Taliban leaders to deliver on their promises to provide an inclusive government – not just in terms of membership in ethnic groups, but also in terms of ensuring the presence of the full spectrum of political forces in Afghanistan, that has not yet been done,” the diplomat said.
As for the assurances of the Taliban regarding respect for human rights, security on their territory and the eradication of threats of terrorism and drug trafficking, these issues “are under our control”, stressed Mr. Lavrov.
“All colleagues in Shanghai are talking about a unified position, so I’m confident that the proposal we made today – to convene the SCO-Afghanistan contact group as soon as possible – will be implemented,” he said. minister’s hope.
Lavrov also pointed out that Russia sees the SCO as “one of the centers of the emerging multipolar world order.” As the Minister recalled, in 2016 President Vladimir Putin expressed the idea of ​​forming a Eurasian partnership with the participation of the SCO, EAEU and ASEAN.
“It’s all a lot of work, but the general line is busy and the movement is starting,” Lavrov said.
- Terrorist organization banned in Russia
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