SCO summit to be held without confirmed Afghan invitation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is scheduled to take place on September 1 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, with leaders of the organization’s 10 member states expected to attend.

However, no invitation for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has so far been publicly announced.

Experts say Afghanistan’s participation in SCO meetings is important for regional security and stability, given the country’s strategic location and the direct impact of developments in Afghanistan on neighboring SCO members.

The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly called for Afghanistan to be included in regional discussions, arguing that Kabul’s views should be considered in decisions and initiatives concerning the future of the region.

Analysts say participation in SCO meetings could give Kabul an opportunity to strengthen engagement with regional countries, particularly on security and economic cooperation. They also believe Afghanistan’s presence could contribute to discussions on the country’s future role in regional security and economic mechanisms.

Afghanistan became an SCO observer in 2012, but its observer status was suspended following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in August 2021.

Russian officials have previously said that the organization’s permanent members hold a positive view of restoring Afghanistan’s observer status.

Analysts believe restoring the status could provide Afghanistan with a platform for greater regional engagement and help expand cooperation with SCO members in areas such as security, trade and economic development.