Moscow – 13 February – Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, has warned that the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border remains a hotspot of tension, as repeated attempts at illegal crossings by militants and smugglers have occasionally led to armed clashes. He stressed that the security situation in the region continues to pose challenges not only for Tajikistan but for the broader Central Asian neighborhood.
Speaking to Russia’s Interfax news agency, Shoigu underlined that combating terrorism and drug trafficking remains a central responsibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). He highlighted that the CSTO is actively implementing a program aimed at strengthening the Afghanistan–Tajikistan frontier, enhancing monitoring systems, and supporting Tajik authorities in preventing the movement of armed groups and contraband.
Shoigu also revealed that a joint high-level meeting of the CSTO, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is scheduled later this year. The summit will focus on reviewing the security dynamics in Afghanistan and Central Asia, discussing counterterrorism strategies, and coordinating regional efforts to stabilize volatile border areas.
The Russian official emphasized that Afghanistan’s ongoing instability, combined with the persistent activity of extremist groups, underscores the need for regional cooperation. Strengthened borders, shared intelligence, and coordinated security operations are seen as essential steps to prevent cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities that threaten the safety of citizens in neighboring countries.
Shoigu’s statements highlight the strategic importance of multilateral engagement in Central Asia and reaffirm Russia’s commitment to working with regional partners to mitigate risks emanating from Afghanistan, ensuring peace, security, and stability along sensitive frontiers.
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