INTERNATIONAL — June 11, 2026
Russia Calls for Revival of SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group
Russia has called for reviving the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Afghanistan Contact Group established in 2007, citing broad support among member states after recent consultations.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with ToloNews — corroborated by Pajhwok, Ariana News, Khaama Press and 1 more — 2 min read
Russia's special representative for Shanghai Cooperation Organization affairs, Bakhtiar Khakimov, stated that Moscow supports resuming the activities of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group.
Khakimov said there is broad consensus among member states on the need to revive the group, which was established in 2007. He noted that efforts have gained momentum following consultations held in Dushanbe last September at the initiative of Tajikistan.
Despite the support, Khakimov said challenges remain because not all members have recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He added that Russia backs continuous relations with Kabul and seeks to strengthen ties between Afghanistan and other Shanghai Organization members.
Read the original reporting at ToloNews →
Reliability assessment
5 independent outlets corroborate the core event: on-record statement by named Russian official Bakhtiar Khakimov calling for revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, with consistent details on 2007 founding and Dushanbe consultations
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Russia (via Khakimov) calls for revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group established in 2007
- Majority of SCO member states support resuming the Contact Group's activities
- Moscow maintains stable relations with Kabul and seeks to expand ties within the SCO framework
- Consultations in Dushanbe last September advanced discussions on relaunching the group
Where reports differ
- Only Hurriyat claims Russia formally recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in July 2025; other sources do not mention recognition
- Minor variations in spelling of Khakimov's first name (Bakhtiar vs Bakhtiyor)
Filed by 5 outlets
ToloNews
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Pajhwok
Reported straight
Reported straight
Ariana News
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Hurriyat
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — SCO, Afghanistan, Russia, Bakhtiar Khakimov, Contact Group
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
European Commission Yet to Issue Visas for Taliban Delegation to Brussels
— Reliable
Russian Court Fines Citizen for Social Media Comment About Taliban
— Reliable
UN Human Rights Office to Send Investigative Team to Lebanon
— Reliable
Afghanistan-Pakistan Track 1.5 Talks Held in Istanbul as Airstrikes Reported in Afghan Provinces
— Reliable