Afghanistan in Focus at Tajik–CSTO Talks
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, in a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, discussed regional developments, with a particular focus on the situation in Afghanistan.
According to a statement from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), both sides emphasized strengthening security along the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border and implementing joint programs in this regard.
They described these initiatives as vital for the stability of Central Asian countries and stressed the need to continue cooperation in this area.
The CSTO stated: “The parties held a detailed discussion on the situation in Afghanistan. The issue of strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border and the relevant Targeted Inter-State Program being implemented by the CSTO was considered. The sides noted the extremely important significance of the Program for all Central Asian countries and the CSTO member states.”
Political analyst Idris Mohammadi Zazi said: “For countries in the region, Afghanistan’s security should be even more important than their own and must be prioritized, as any deterioration in Afghanistan’s security directly or indirectly affects the region.”
Earlier, Russia’s Security Council Secretary had described the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border as a major source of security challenges for CSTO member states.
Some military analysts believe that to improve Afghanistan’s relations with CSTO countries, the Islamic Emirate needs to convince them that no threat will emanate from Afghan territory.
Military analyst Sarwar Niazi said: “Regional intelligence agencies and Pakistan, through their proxy groups, seek to strain Afghanistan’s relations with Tajikistan.”
This comes as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has previously assured neighboring countries, particularly Tajikistan, of border security.
