Shanghai Group Brings In Afghanistan As Observer

Afghanistan has been granted observer status by the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), reports the Khaama Press (Afghanistan).

Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the decision on Thursday at the conclusion of this week's SCO summit in Beijing.

The SCO will facilitate trade and investment within the bloc, with a focus on the finance, transportation, energy, telecommunications and agriculture sectors, Hu said.

The move is seen as a bid to enhance...