In 2021, Afghanistan was admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full member. This decision marked a significant development in Afghanistan`s diplomatic relations and opens new opportunities for the country`s economic growth. The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of eight member states, including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The agreement to admit Afghanistan to the SCO was signed on September 17, 2021, during the SCO summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani attended the summit, where he expressed his gratitude to the SCO member states for their support towards peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
With Afghanistan`s admission to the SCO, the organization has now become a vital platform for addressing security, economic, and other regional issues. The SCO`s main objectives include promoting trade and economic cooperation among member states, combating terrorism and extremism, and enhancing cultural exchange.
Afghanistan`s inclusion in the SCO is expected to bring a positive impact on the country`s economy, which is currently struggling due to decades of conflict and instability. The SCO`s member states have a combined population of over three billion and a gross domestic product of nearly $20 trillion. Afghanistan`s admission to the SCO provides opportunities for increased trade and investment with the organization`s member states, which could help boost the country`s economic growth.
Moreover, Afghanistan`s membership in the SCO could also help strengthen its ties with neighboring countries, particularly China and Russia. China is Afghanistan`s largest foreign investor, with investments in infrastructure and mineral resources. Russia, on the other hand, has provided significant support to the Afghan government and security forces.
In conclusion, Afghanistan`s admission to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization serves as a significant milestone towards enhanced regional cooperation and development. The country`s inclusion in the organization will provide new opportunities for economic growth and regional integration. This development will not only benefit Afghanistan but also the other member states in the organization, creating a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful region.