The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is taking serious steps to revive its Contact Group with Afghanistan after a four-year hiatus.
Kabul 24: Ahmad Said Muradzoda, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, announced during an interview with a Russian media outlet on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that member states are actively exploring ways to restart this important security mechanism.
Afghanistan remains a central focus for SCO member countries. Muradzoda noted that the issue is expected to be prominently reflected in the final declaration of the upcoming SCO Heads of State Summit in Bishkek.
Highlighting Afghanistan’s strategic location, he said: “If you look at the regional map of the SCO, Afghanistan is located right at the center, while also holding observer status in the organization.”The revival of the Contact Group is viewed as a vital platform for coordinating security policies, countering terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and promoting regional stability.
Following four years of relative silence, the first serious consultations among SCO members on Afghanistan were held in Dushanbe at the initiative of Tajikistan.This two-day consultative meeting (September 10–11 of last year) brought together special representatives of member states for Afghanistan.
In the first phase, participants reaffirmed the points already outlined in previous SCO declarations. In the second phase, discussions shifted toward practical and executive aspects of cooperation, including humanitarian assistance, economic development projects, regional connectivity, and security collaboration.
The SCO has long regarded developments in Afghanistan as one of the most significant regional security challenges.
Key members — including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states consistently stress the need for stability, sustainable security, and economic development in the country.
This initiative comes at a time when security issues emanating from Afghanistan continue to affect the borders and internal stability of neighboring nations. Reviving the Contact Group could create a more practical channel for engagement with Afghan authorities.
While challenges remain particularly regarding the formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate government and ongoing human rights concerns the move signals a return to active diplomacy by the SCO toward Kabul.The revival not only offers the SCO an opportunity to play a more influential role in Central Asia but could also help pull Afghanistan out of relative isolation and steer it toward constructive regional engagement.
The ultimate success of this effort will depend on the collective will of member states and the flexibility shown by the Afghan side.
