Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon have discussed growing security concerns linked to Afghanistan, as instability along the Tajik-Afghan border fuels fresh regional alarm.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders held a phone conversation focused on bilateral ties, regional developments, and shared security priorities.
While the Kremlin did not release operational details, both presidents stressed the need for closer coordination and a stronger strategic partnership amid shifting security conditions in the region.
Border incidents raise alarm in Tajikistan
The talks come at a tense moment for Tajikistan, which has reported a rise in cross-border security incidents linked to Afghan territory.
On December 25, Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security said its forces clashed with militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan.
The incident left three insurgents and two Tajik border guards dead.
Earlier attacks, also linked to Afghan territory, reportedly killed five people.
Following these incidents, President Rahmon ordered a review of border protection measures and security strategies. Tajik authorities say the aim is to prevent further infiltration and reduce risks along the long and rugged Afghan frontier.
Russia–Tajikistan security coordination deepens
Moscow and Dushanbe already maintain close security cooperation.
This includes joint military drills, intelligence sharing, and coordination aimed at countering militant threats emerging from Afghanistan and the wider region.
As part of these efforts, President Rahmon recently inaugurated a new tank training ground and four additional border outposts near the Afghan border.
The Kremlin statement also noted that Rahmon strongly condemned a recent Ukrainian drone attack targeting a Russian presidential residence.
The leaders exchanged views on the incident, shared New Year greetings, and then turned to regional issues including Afghanistan.
Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the strategic and allied relationship between Russia and Tajikistan, signaling that Afghanistan-linked security challenges will remain a central focus of their cooperation in the months ahead.
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