Russian Security Council Secretary Calls Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border Main Security Challenge for CSTO

Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council, described the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as the "main center of security challenges" for Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) countries. Speaking to Interfax news agency on Thursday, Shoigu said countering international terrorism, extremism, arms and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and transnational organized crime are top priorities for the organization, which Russia currently chairs.

Shoigu expressed concern over rising threats along the southern borders, particularly the Tajikistan-Afghanistan frontier, where multiple illegal crossings have been recorded, some leading to armed clashes with Tajik border guards. He emphasized preventive measures against terrorism and drug trafficking from Afghanistan, noting that a program to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border, approved in November 2024, has entered its implementation phase. Shoigu also announced plans for a joint CSTO conference on Afghanistan to enhance member coordination against common threats.

The Russian official highlighted ongoing tensions, with Tajik authorities repeatedly reporting security threats from Afghanistan, including attacks on Chinese nationals in Badakhshan and Khatlon provinces last year allegedly organized from Afghan soil using drones. Taliban officials have denied these claims, insisting no threats emanate from Afghan territory to neighbors.

Shoigu further noted destabilizing threats in Iran as another factor affecting regional security, while pointing to growing roles for regional bodies like CSTO, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Economic Union, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization in building a shared Eurasian security architecture.

Recent developments include a meeting between Tajikistan's ambassador to Kabul, Saidi Sharif, and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, where they discussed expanding political, economic, and trade cooperation, strengthening border security, and forming a joint economic committee. Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Sarajuddin Mehriddin stated that security institutions are cooperating with the Taliban to prevent border tensions, with border markets resuming activity and electricity supplies to Afghanistan continuing.