On 8 June 2021, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the People's Republic of China Javid Ahmad Qaem.
During the meeting, the officials discussed cooperation between the issues of Embassy of Afghanistan in China and the SCO Secretariat and issues of participation in events held by the Organisation's headquarters.
The meeting also focused on interaction to counter the spread of COVID-19.
SCO Secretary-General Norov noted the importance of cooperation between the SCO family states in the fight against the spread of this disease.
"The world is facing not only a global healthcare crisis but the greatest economic shock of the century. To overcome it, close cooperation between countries and within the international community is required," Mr Norov said.
Ambassador Javid Ahmad Qaem also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Afghan diplomatic mission in China and the SCO Secretariat. He informed the Secretary-General about the coronavirus situation in Afghanistan. In particular, the Ambassador noted that at the moment another wave of COVID-19 has begun in Afghanistan.
The parties also discussed preparations for the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group meeting to be held this year in Tajikistan, during which the Plan of Practical Measures to Promote the Socioeconomic Restoration of Afghanistan, developed at Uzbekistan's initiative, will be considered.
 
On 7 June 2012, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan received observer status at the SCO