The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began on Wednesday, October 16, in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Although Afghanistan is an observer member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Taliban has not been invited to the meetings of this regional organisation.

Afghanistan joined the SCO as an observer member on June 7, 2012, but the Taliban has not been invited to its meetings for the past three years.

In his welcome speech to the participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised on peace and stability in the region.

At the same time, he said, "The participation of representatives of all SCO members in this meeting is a sign of the strength of relations and cooperation between the countries."

Shehbaz Sharif said, "Our joint efforts are vital to overcome today's crises, from environmental challenges to terrorism and extremism.”

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was formed in 2001 by Russia and China, consists of nine members, including Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.