Russia calls for SCO Cooperation to combat Terrorism in Afghanistan
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, has called for cooperation among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), particularly urging collaboration between Pakistan, India, and Iran to combat terrorism in Afghanistan.
During a press conference, Lavrov emphasized the need to establish what he referred to as a “Center for Combating New Threats.”
He stressed that “a center to combat new threats, including terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and human trafficking, could be established in 2025 with the participation of SCO member states.”
TASS news agency reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry intends for this center to include membership from SCO countries, especially Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India.
Lavrov also defended India’s participation in the quadrilateral group with China, Pakistan, and Iran, calling it important for Moscow, Beijing, Islamabad, and Tehran.
It is worth mentioning that the third joint meeting of China, Pakistan, Iran, and Russia on Afghanistan is set to take place in October, and it is expected that India will also be added to this group.
The Russian Foreign Minister further stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Moscow format provide the platform for interaction with the Taliban regime.
This initiative highlights the increasing concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, particularly with the rising threats posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS. The formation of such a center could play a key role in strengthening regional security.
The cooperation of regional powers, including Pakistan, India, and Iran, is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges in Afghanistan. Collaborative efforts will not only help combat terrorism but also support stability and peace in the broader region.
The post Russia calls for SCO Cooperation to combat Terrorism in Afghanistan appeared first on Khaama Press.