Xi Jinping Attends the Joint Summit of the Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization on Afghanistan
On the afternoon of September 17, 2021, President Xi Jinping attended the Joint Summit on Afghanistan among the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Beijing via video and delivered an important speech.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the situation in Afghanistan has undergone fundamental changes recently, which have had an important impact on the international situation, regional structure, and security and stability. At present, Afghanistan is facing many difficulties and challenges. It is an urgent task for all the Afghan people to restore normal order as soon as possible and achieve a soft landing. The international community and regional countries also need to pay close attention. The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization are close neighbors of Afghanistan, and they are a community of shared future and security. At critical moments, we should work together to maintain peace and stability, which is more precious than gold.
Xi Jinping emphasized that the affairs of a country are decided by the people of the country, and international affairs are handled by everyone through consultation. We must help implement the basic principle of “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” under the premise of respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, so that the people of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan can independently control the future and destiny of the country. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization should give full play to the unique advantages and respective influences of the member states of the two organizations, adhere to the general direction of politically resolving the Afghan issue, promote Afghanistan to stop chaos and stabilize, embark on the path of peaceful reconstruction, and ultimately achieve universal security in the region. Common security, cooperative security, and lasting security.
Xi Jinping put forward three opinions and suggestions.
First, promote the smooth transition of the situation in Afghanistan as soon as possible. Support all parties in Afghanistan to reach an inclusive political arrangement at an early date through dialogue and consultation. It is necessary to continue to pay attention to the trends of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, and urge relevant parties in Afghanistan to carry out resolute strikes and use both symptoms and root causes to eradicate them completely, so as to prevent the terrorist forces in Afghanistan from causing disaster to the Quartet.
Second, engage in contact and dialogue with Afghanistan. From a rational and pragmatic perspective, interact with all parties in Afghanistan, guide and promote the new Afghan regime structure to be more open and inclusive, pursue a moderate and stable domestic and foreign policy, and get along with all countries in the world, especially neighboring countries.
Third, to help the Afghan people tide over the difficulties. It is necessary to provide Afghanistan with humanitarian and anti-epidemic support in a timely manner to help the Afghan people relieve their worries and difficulties. China has announced the dispatch of a batch of emergency aid supplies as soon as possible and will continue to provide more help within its capacity. As the initiators of the difficult situation in Afghanistan, certain countries should learn from the past and take due responsibility for the future development of Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping emphasized that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties and work together to support the Afghan people towards a bright future and maintain lasting peace and tranquility in the region.
President Rakhmon of Tajikistan presided over the summit, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Zaparov of Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Pashnyan of Armenia, Belarus President Lukashenko and Iranian President Leahy attended the meeting. Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Modi attended the summit via video.
Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, He Lifeng and others attended the summit.
Wang Yi attended the meeting in Tajikistan as the special representative of President Xi Jinping.
