Bakhtiyor Khakimov, the Special Representative of the Russian President for SCO Affairs, emphasized the importance of Kabul's participation in all projects undertaken by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In an interview with RIA Novosti, Khakimov highlighted that without Afghanistan's involvement, the implementation of crucial transport and energy initiatives in the region would be impossible.
While acknowledging that Afghanistan is currently an observer within the SCO, Khakimov explained that the organization has recognized the state rather than a specific government. He stressed the clear need for Afghanistan's participation, emphasizing that the development of transport connectivity and major energy projects requires the active involvement of the country.
Currently, the SCO-Afghanistan contact group remains inactive due to the international community's non-recognition of the Afghan government. This poses challenges to Afghanistan's participation in the organization's regional projects.
The diplomat mentioned notable initiatives such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the CASA-1000 power lines, involving Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Taliban, which is under UN sanctions for its terrorist activities, intensified its offensive against the Afghan government forces in August 2021. They entered Kabul on August 15 and declared the end of the war the following day. The US military completed its withdrawal from Kabul airport on August 31, marking the end of nearly 20 years of US military presence in Afghanistan. In early September, a provisional government was announced in Afghanistan, headed by Mohammad Hasan Akhund, who previously served as the foreign minister during the Taliban's previous rule and has been under UN sanctions since 2001.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Lisa Ferdinando/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from RIA Novosti