Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a stern address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu underscored Afghanistan as the epicenter of threat for member nations. Shoygu, speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasized the infiltration of international terrorist factions into Afghanistan’s unstable political landscape, posing a grave threat to regional stability.
Shoygu condemned Washington’s escalating endeavors to regain influence in Central and South Asia post the coalition troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. He decried the burgeoning American military infrastructure in the region, labeling it a direct menace to SCO’s stability and challenging its dominance in the Asia-Pacific arena.
Embracing Iran’s recent accession to the SCO, Shoygu urged for Belarus’s swift inclusion, while decrying Western bias against Iran’s right to self-defense. He rallied SCO members to fortify against external destabilizing forces and advocated for strengthened military cooperation, robust information exchange, and expanded joint military exercises.
Shoygu’s critique extended beyond regional concerns, lambasting the US for its global dominance ambitions, which he deemed a peril to global stability. He accused Washington of instigating tensions, notably citing the conflict in Ukraine as a ploy to contain Russia. Rejecting allegations of Russian aggression, Shoygu reiterated Russia’s commitment to defensive measures and called for equitable security arrangements.
Expressing concern over Ukraine’s purported involvement in nefarious activities, including attacks on critical infrastructure and alleged terrorism, Shoygu underscored the imperative of collective vigilance against external provocations.
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Shoygu’s impassioned address serves as a clarion call for SCO solidarity against emerging threats, underscoring the imperative of a united front in safeguarding regional and global stability.
