Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- One of the most important factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability in the SCO space is the soonest settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. This is stated in the New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO Member States.

“Member states believe that one of the most important factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability in the SCO space is the soonest settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They stand for the formation of Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, unified, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs,” the declaration says.

The SCO countries consider it extremely important to create an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups of the Afghan society.

“Member States, emphasizing the importance of the many years of hospitality and effective assistance provided by regional and neighboring countries to Afghanistan to Afghan refugees, consider it important the active efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland,” the document says.

Taking into account the emerging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the SCO countries called for continued efforts to provide assistance to the Afghan people.