Putin, Rahmon Discuss Afghanistan In Phone Call
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon discussed bilateral cooperation, regional issues and Afghanistan during a telephone call, the Kremlin said.
In a statement, the Kremlin said the two leaders reviewed regional matters with Afghanistan in mind, without providing further details. The call, it added, reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Tajikistan.
The discussion comes amid heightened security concerns along Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan. Tajik authorities say they have faced recent threats originating from Afghan territory.
Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security said on December 25 that an armed clash occurred after militants infiltrated the country from Afghanistan, killing three members of a “terrorist organisation” and two Tajik border guards.
The press office of the Tajik presidency also confirmed earlier this month that two attacks launched from Afghanistan killed five people. Following those incidents, Rahmon ordered security institutions to assess the situation and consider measures to strengthen border security.
Against this backdrop, Rahmon on December 24 inaugurated a tank training ground and four new outposts along the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border.
