Let’s join hands and help Kabul: Xi to SCO allies
In a speech, Chinese President calls on SCO members and other countries to help Taliban-ruled Afghanistan tackle the challenges it faces
BEIJING/DUSHANBE: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should facilitate a smooth transition in Afghanistan and encourage Talibanruled Kabul to put in place a broad-based government.
Afghanistan needs the assistance of the international community, especially help from its neighbours, Xi said. He made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the heads of state of the SCO in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, via video link.
The SCO comprises eight members - India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan is an observer state in the grouping.
China has strongly criticised the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and has maintained close communication with the Taliban. It has encouraged Kabul to form an inclusive government and snap all ties with terrorists.
“Afghanistan has undergone drastic changes. The withdrawal of foreign troops has opened a new page in its history. But Afghanistan still faces many daunting challenges, and it needs the support and assistance of the international community,” Xi said. “We, SCO member states, need to step up coordination, make full use of platforms such as the Sco-afghanistan Contact Group, and facilitate a smooth transition in Afghanistan.”
“We (the SCO) need to encourage Afghanistan to put in place a broad-based political framework, adopt moderate domestic and foreign policies... resolutely fight all forms of terrorism,” Xi said in his speech.
On the issue of terrorism, Xi said, “We need to pursue common, comprehensive and cooperative security, and take tough actions against terrorism, separatism and extremism, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.”
SCO against moves that threaten global economy
SCO members reaffirmed to uphold a transparent and nondiscriminatory multilateral trading system, and oppose unilateral protectionist measures that threaten the global economy. According to the Dushanbe Declaration, member states underlined the importance of improving the architecture of global economic governance.