Russia’s security chief upbeat about Afghanistan regaining SCO observer status

Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia’s Security Council, said on Monday that Moscow hopes to see Afghanistan regain its status as an observer member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO).

According to a statement issued by ARG, Shoigu met on Monday in Kabul with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, where he spoke about the issue.

Shoigu also highlighted Russia’s desire to expand trade and economic ties with Afghanistan.

He emphasized Russia’s willingness to invest in vital sectors such as railways, transportation, industry, agriculture, energy, and mining.

Shoigu also commented on Afghanistan’s political stability and security improvements and said these have been crucial in attracting Russian investment.

Shoigu also met with Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid.

These meetings come just a day after Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov announced that a high-level Russian delegation would visit Kabul. He did not however provide details on who this would involve.

Shoigu served as Minister of Defence of Russia from 2012 to 2024 before taking over as Secretary of Russia’s Security Council.

Russia has been slowly building ties with the Islamic Emirate since it regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021.