Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
KABUL – China has extended an official invitation to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to participate in the upcoming 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to be held in China later this year. The invitation was conveyed by Zhao Xing, China’s ambassador to Kabul, during a meeting with Dr. Mohammad Naeem, the Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration of Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry.
This marks a significant development, as Afghanistan’s participation in SCO activities has been dormant since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Notably, the Islamic Emirate was excluded from the SCO summit held in Islamabad in October 2024.
During the meeting, Ambassador Zhao emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, stating that China, as a close neighbor, places great importance on enhancing ties with Afghanistan. Dr. Naeem reciprocated by highlighting the necessity of maintaining positive relations between neighboring countries.
The upcoming SCO summit will address critical regional issues, including food security, energy, environmental concerns, and counter-terrorism efforts. The SCO, comprising member states that represent 25% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population, serves as a pivotal platform for fostering economic, trade, and security cooperation in the region.
This invitation signals a potential shift in regional dynamics, as China appears to be taking a more proactive role in engaging with the Taliban-led government, despite the lack of formal international recognition. The move could pave the way for increased diplomatic and economic interactions between Afghanistan and SCO member states.
