Putin: Situation on border with Afghanistan causes concern
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The situation on the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is worrying despite reinforcing a Russian military base in Tajikistan.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon that “the situation on the border with Afghanistan is alarming and worrying.”
"Tajikistan is one of our loyal, reliable close allies. We are developing relations very actively in all areas. This also applies to security issues. Now the situation on the border with Afghanistan causes a certain alarm and concern," Putin added.
The Russian President hinted that Russia, among other things, helped in strengthening the defense capability of Tajikistan.
Putin announced the delivery of Russian military equipment to Tajikistan in order to strengthen the country's borders and ensure security in the face of the situation in Afghanistan.
"We are actively working to strengthen the defense capability of Tajikistan. Recently, in accordance with our agreements, the necessary supplies of weapons and equipment have been carried out in order to strengthen the armed forces of Tajikistan, so that Tajikistan could effectively counter any threats that come from outside in relation to your countries," Putin said.
Rahmon voiced his readiness to discuss a variety of issues
"We are actively developing cultural and humanitarian ties, closely cooperating in the field of security. I am ready to discuss with you the state and prospects of our relations, international and regional issues with an emphasis on Afghan issues," he said.
Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov expresses fears of the Central Asian region turning into a haven for secret terrorist activity.
Russia has long been cooperating with Afghanistan's neighboring countries. In late July, Russia conducted joint military exercises with Uzbekistan near its borders with Afghanistan. A week later, it conducted similar exercises with Tajikistan, also neighboring Afghanistan.
Those exercises came after Moscow expressed deep concern regarding the escalating dangers from armed organizations following the rapid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, which came days after the United States withdrew from the country.
