On March 27, 2009, the special international conference on Afghanistan of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in Moscow and attended by delegates from more than 30 countries and international organizations, including the member states and observer countries of the SCO, Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the United Nations, the European Union, NATO and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The conference adopted the Statement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on Combating Terrorism, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime and the Plan of Action of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on Combating Terrorism, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime. A declaration was also passed at the conference.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao delivered a speech at the conference. He spoke highly of the importance of the meeting and pointed out that as an emerging regional cooperation organization the SCO is committed to maintaining peace and stability and promoting development and prosperity in the region including Afghanistan. Its increasingly important role is fully recognized and appreciated by the international community. The Chinese government is willing to make joint efforts with related parties to contribute to building a bright future for Afghanistan. He raised initiatives on the cooperation of the international community and the SCO with the Afghan government on fighting against terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and organized crime and declared on behalf of the Chinese government to turn the total amount of US$75 million of preferential loan promised by the Chinese side to Afghanistan into assistance gratis which will be granted within five years from 2009.

During the conference, Song also exchanged opinions with other delegates on the international and regional issues of common concern.