China’s Xi urges SCO to facilitate ‘smooth transition’ in Afghanistan

ANKARA

China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to step up coordination to facilitate a “smooth transition” in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan has undergone drastic changes. The withdrawal of foreign troops has opened a new page in its history,” Xi told the SCO Summit held in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan.

The Chinese president addressed the moot via a video link, a transcription of his address said.

Xi said the SCO needs to encourage Afghanistan “to put in place a broad-based and inclusive political framework, adopt prudent and moderate domestic and foreign policies.”

As the 20-year US presence in Afghanistan neared an end last month, the Taliban regained control of the war-torn country in a bloodless takeover as former President Ashraf Ghani and his ex-officials fled the country.

“Afghanistan still faces many daunting challenges, and it needs the support and assistance of the international community, particularly countries in our region,” Xi said, calling for making “full use of platforms such as the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group.”

Taliban have since announced an interim government as the new administration is trying to establish its control and begin economic and social reconstruction.

Xi also called on Afghanistan to “resolutely fight all forms of terrorism, live in amity with its neighbors and truly embark on a path of peace, stability and development.”

ANKARA

China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to step up coordination to facilitate a “smooth transition” in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan has undergone drastic changes. The withdrawal of foreign troops has opened a new page in its history,” Xi told the SCO Summit held in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan.

The Chinese president addressed the moot via a video link, a transcription of his address said.

Xi said the SCO needs to encourage Afghanistan “to put in place a broad-based and inclusive political framework, adopt prudent and moderate domestic and foreign policies.”

Taliban have since announced an interim government as the new administration is trying to establish its control and begin economic and social reconstruction.

Xi also called on Afghanistan to “resolutely fight all forms of terrorism, live in amity with its neighbors and truly embark on a path of peace, stability and development.”