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Uzbekistan calls for greater coordination between SCO and Afghanistan
The 20th Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Centre for Studies was held in New Delhi, where Uzbekistan called for renewed engagement with Afghanistan.
During the forum, Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, emphasized the importance of resuming the activities of the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group and highlighted the need for sustained economic and social support for Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan gradually rebuilds its regional relations, experts at the SCO Studies Forum in New Delhi stressed the need for coordinated cooperation among SCO member states to support the stabilization and reconstruction of the country.
“Cooperation with Afghanistan remains a critical factor for ensuring security in the region,” said Mustafayev.
“It is essential for SCO member states to adopt a more strategic and cohesive approach toward Afghanistan. The reactivation of the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group would allow for a more unified response to the Afghan crisis. A stable Afghanistan will present significant economic opportunities for the region.”
The Uzbek expert further stated that regional cooperation with Afghanistan would open opportunities for diversifying transport corridors, building a sustainable regional economic model, and strengthening commercial and economic partnerships.
Mustafayev also called for essential assistance to Afghanistan in the areas of healthcare, education, and humanitarian needs as a foundation for long-term peace and development.
The 20th SCO Centre for Studies Forum, attended by more than 30 experts and representatives from member countries, also addressed key issues such as strengthening strategic dialogue, expanding economic and cultural cooperation, and enhancing the effectiveness of SCO-affiliated think tanks.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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