Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed growing concern about the escalating security threats posed by Afghanistan, particularly to the neighboring Central Asian countries. In a joint press conference with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon in Moscow on March 18, Putin emphasized that Russia cannot remain indifferent to the security situation in the region, especially as extremist groups in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat.
Putin referred to Afghanistan as a central hub of security challenges, highlighting the risk posed by the presence of extremist factions, including the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch, which have been increasingly active in destabilizing the region. He stated, “We are fully aware of the threats and challenges Afghanistan presents to the region and will work to establish peace and stability in Central Asia.”
This concern is particularly significant for Tajikistan, which shares a long, porous border with Afghanistan, making it vulnerable to cross-border security threats. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the region has seen a surge in extremist activity, raising alarms in neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Central Asia holds strategic importance for Russia, not only as a buffer zone against southern threats but also as part of Moscow’s historical sphere of influence in the post-Soviet space. Putin’s comments underscore Russia’s commitment to safeguarding regional stability, reaffirming its dedication to working with regional allies through organizations like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to address these growing threats.
President Rahmon of Tajikistan expressed strong support for closer cooperation with Russia in tackling these security challenges. He underscored the importance of joint efforts to protect Tajikistan’s borders, which extend over 1,400 kilometers with Afghanistan. Given the porous nature of these borders and the presence of militant groups, Tajikistan remains one of Russia’s closest allies in the region.
As Afghanistan’s instability continues to reverberate throughout the region, leaders of Central Asia stress the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate further risks and preserve the security of their borders. The growing security challenges underscore the critical need for international collaboration to address the complex dynamics in this strategically important region.
