Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries said Thursday that the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan is needed for lasting peace in the country.In a joint statement, the heads of SCO member states said after a two-day meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, an inclusive government needs the broad participation of representatives of all ethnic and political groups and that this was the only way to achieve long-lasting peace in Afghanistan.This two-day meeting, which started on Wednesday focused on the situation in Afghanistan, security cooperation and Central Asian countries.The SCO leaders also said they are ready to support efforts to normalize the situation in Afghanistan.&The member states expressed their readiness to support the efforts of the international community to ensure peace and development in Afghanistan,& the joint statement read.Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced he supports the start of a contact group of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization & Afghanistan.He added that SCO has traditionally been involved in Afghanistan&s problems.Tajikistan&s President, Emomali Rahman, also emphasized in the meeting that establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member countries.

---

RELATED STORIESTajikistan stands against IEA&s inclusion in SCO activities: RussiaPakistan&s foreign minister calls for revival of SCO contact group for AfghanistanThe post SCO state leaders say inclusive govt vital for lasting peace in Afghanistan  first appeared on Ariana News.