Afghanistan Peace Campaign
CSTO officials are concerned about the rising threats from northern Afghanistan provinces, particularly related to terrorism, extremism, and drug crimes.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan and the growing threats from its northern provinces. According to the CSTO press office, the organization is particularly concerned about the rise in terrorism, extremism, and drug-related crimes originating from Afghanistan. These challenges are seen as direct threats to regional security and stability.
Natalia Kharitonova, spokesperson for the CSTO, explained in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia on April 15 that Afghanistan has become a source of considerable concern for the organization. She emphasized that the CSTO members are worried about the increasing threats from Afghanistan, particularly from the northern regions bordering Central Asia. These threats are contributing to heightened security risks in the region.
Kharitonova further pointed out that CSTO member countries have called for more regional cooperation to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. The growing concerns about Afghanistan’s instability have led to calls for stronger coordination and joint actions to address these pressing issues in the region. The CSTO is working on measures to enhance regional security in response to these emerging threats.
In light of these concerns, the CSTO has placed special importance on strengthening the border security of Tajikistan, which shares a long border with Afghanistan. Kharitonova noted that a targeted intergovernmental program aimed at improving the security of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan is of critical significance to the CSTO. This program is seen as essential for safeguarding the security of all CSTO member states.
The CSTO’s concerns about Afghanistan highlight the growing instability in the region and the need for cooperative regional security efforts. The planned border security program between CSTO members, especially Tajikistan, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing these security threats comprehensively. Through increased coordination and focused action, the CSTO aims to safeguard the security and stability of its member states in the face of rising challenges.