Russia’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, has said that Afghanistan will be able to participate as an observer in upcoming meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Kabulov made the remarks during a meeting with Gul Hassan Hassan, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Moscow, noting that at the most recent SCO summit, member states voted by majority to grant Afghanistan observer status — enabling its formal participation in future sessions, according to a statement released by the Afghan embassy.

Ambassador Hassan welcomed the move, describing Afghanistan’s engagement in SCO meetings as vital for building genuine regional cooperation and understanding.

The Islamic Emirate has also underlined the importance of involvement in the SCO. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said active participation in such forums is essential to fostering trust and strengthening ties with neighboring countries.

The latest SCO summit was held recently in China, where leaders discussed regional security, economic issues, and expanded cooperation.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional political, economic and international security organization of ten member states. It was established in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. In June 2017, it expanded to eight states, with India and Pakistan. Iran joined the group in July 2023, and Belarus in July 2024. Several countries are engaged as observers or dialogue partners.