Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu has stated in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta that the time has come to restore relations between Afghanistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
He noted that Moscow, along with other SCO member states, supports this initiative.
Shoygu praised the Afghan government’s successful fight against ISIS, emphasizing that the effort could have been even more effective if Western sanctions on Kabul were not in place.
He also referenced recent visits by Western diplomats to Kabul, observing that Britain, Germany, and the United States are seeking engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Senior Russian officials have previously expressed support for reestablishing ties between Kabul and the SCO, signaling a continued push for strengthened cooperation.