Vladimir Dzhabarov, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Committee on International Affairs, announced the unanimous support from Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member states to safeguard the Tajik-Afghan border.
He underscored CSTO's critical role in maintaining stability in Central Asia, highlighting the strategic importance of Russia's 201st military base in Tajikistan.
This base, among Russia's largest overseas, has been fortified with modern equipment following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Dzhabarov emphasised that the CSTO is instrumental in safeguarding the region, with the 201st base providing significant security to Tajikistan.
The senator criticised the United States for attempting to regain influence in the region post-withdrawal from Afghanistan, alleging that the US is trying to establish "a second front against Russia in Central Asia" through joint military exercises and exacerbating conflicts, particularly along the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border.
In July, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin urged the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers to expedite the signing of a programme aimed at bolstering the Tajik-Afghan border. Originally slated for 2023, this initiative has been rescheduled for 2024.
The CSTO, a regional security alliance, comprises Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
