Iran Calls for Inclusive Governance in Afghanistan at SCO Summit

Speaking at the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that peace and stability in Afghanistan are strategic imperatives for the entire region. He addressed a gathering of regional leaders, highlighting that the security environment in Kabul remains one of the most significant shared concerns for SCO member states. Araghchi noted that a stable Afghanistan is not only beneficial for its own citizens but is a prerequisite for the economic and social development of all neighboring nations. A central theme of the Iranian diplomat's address was the necessity of establishing an inclusive political framework. Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position that the de facto authorities in Kabul must involve all ethnic and religious groups in the governance of the country. He argued that such inclusivity is the only sustainable way to achieve internal legitimacy and long-term national security, offering Iran's support for any regional initiatives aimed at fostering a more representative government. The Foreign Minister also focused on the critical need for multilateral cooperation to combat transnational security threats. He specifically identified terrorism, extremism, and the illicit drug trade as ongoing challenges that require a coordinated response from the SCO. Araghchi warned that these issues, combined with a worsening humanitarian crisis and illegal migration, pose a direct risk to the collective stability of the Eurasian region if left unaddressed. Furthermore, Araghchi called for a diplomatic resolution to the rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He appealed to both nations to end border clashes and engage in constructive dialogue, suggesting that regional harmony depends on the peaceful coexistence of these two neighbors. He emphasized that the SCO provides an ideal platform for such mediation and for aligning the security policies of its member states. Concluding his remarks, Araghchi highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Iran and the Afghan people. He reaffirmed that while Iran strictly adheres to a policy of non-interference and respects national sovereignty, it remains fully committed to assisting in the reconstruction of a secure, developed, and terrorism-free Afghanistan. He called on the international community to provide humanitarian aid without political conditions to help stabilize the nation's fragile economy.