The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) treats the problem of peace and stability in Afghanistan with special attention and concern, considering it important to provide assistance and support to the Afghan people, especially in the humanitarian sphere. This was stated in written responses by SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming to questions from members of the SCO Press Club received by the TASS office in Beijing on Friday.
"Peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential for the peace, security, development and prosperity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the entire SCO region," the organization's secretary-general said. "We treat this with high attention and concern," he added. This July, Zhang Ming said, the Council of Foreign Ministers of SCO member states will meet. "I believe there will also be in-depth and serious discussions on Afghanistan," he said.
The SCO secretary-general pointed out that the organization considers it very important to provide effective support and assistance to the Afghan people, particularly in the humanitarian sphere. He reminded that in the SCO's opinion the Afghan problem should be solved only through political and diplomatic methods and be based on the UN Charter and international law.
Zhang Ming stated that Afghanistan is located in a region where its neighbors are members of the SCO. Over the years, the organization has paid a great deal of attention to the Afghan problem itself and its impact on regional security. Since "the situation in Afghanistan has undergone serious changes" last August, Zhang Ming said, regional countries including Pakistan, China and Russia "have been working closely and cooperatively to respond to the changing situation."
Afghanistan has observer state status with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
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Based on materials from TASS