SCO Calls for Inclusive Government in Afghanistan

DID Press: Expressing concern about the situation in Afghanistan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO) called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in Afghan society and pledged to continue to assist the Afghan people.

The member countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Tuesday.
The SCO Member States called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and stated that “the group considers it essential to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who chaired the SCO summit, said, “The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us. India’s concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most of the SCO countries. We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan.”
“Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens; the formation of an inclusive government; the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities,” he said.

“The Member States believe that one of the most important factors in the preservation and strengthening of safety and stability within the SCO region is the early settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocate building Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, united, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs,” the joint declaration said.

They further stressed the importance of long-term hospitality and effective assistance provided to Afghan refugees by regional and neighboring countries of Afghanistan.
The Member States consider important, the active efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland.

They also consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism.