MINSK, 23 August (BelTA) - The member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will assist Afghanistan with building a peaceful and prosperous future, reads a statement issued by the SCO Secretariat, TASS reported.
"The SCO member states reaffirm their intention to assist Afghanistan with building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country, free from terrorism, war and drugs," the document says.
It emphasizes that the SCO member states advocate for strict compliance with international law and obligations under the bilateral and multilateral agreements. They call to ensure safety and security of the Afghan population and foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, institutions of foreign states and international organizations in the country.
"The SCO member states call to restore the legitimacy of the Afghanistan government through an inclusive peaceful dialogue, taking into account the interests of all social, political, ethnic and religious groups of the country," the statement said.
According to the document, the SCO countries are ready to participate in international efforts to stabilize and develop Afghanistan with the central coordinating role of the UN.
On 15 August, Taliban militants entered Kabul without fighting and took full control over the Afghan capital within several hours. President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan. Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself an acting head of state and called for armed resistance to the Taliban. Western countries are evacuating their citizens and embassy staff.
