On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon in Moscow, pledged to provide greater security-related support to Tajikistan. Putin’s announcement comes as the Central Asian country grows increasingly concerned about the possibility of escalating violence in Afghanistan spilling over into its borders.
During the meeting, Rahmon expressed his concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, especially since the United States (US) has decided to withdraw all troops from the region by September. Putin agreed and added that since Tajikistan’s longest common border was with Afghanistan, its concerns over security were “not groundless.”
“Russia is doing everything it can to support you [Tajikistan],” Putin said. He also stressed that Moscow was working on strengthening Russian military presence in the country and providing support to Tajikistani Armed Forces. “We maintain joint activities in this area, including an entire programme designed to be in effect for several years, and we will do everything to implement it as scheduled,” Putin told his Tajik counterpart.
For his part, Rahmon said that relations between both countries are “developing dynamically in all areas of cooperation.” Rahmon also added that there is “close cooperation” between Moscow and Dushanbe in the field of security.
Both sides are part of regional security organisations like the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Tajikistan is also preparing to hold the annual summits of SCO and CSTO this year. Last month, the two countries held joint military exercises in Tajikistan, involving over 50,000 personnel. Russia also maintains its 201st military base in Tajikistan and was instrumental in deescalating the violent clashes that erupted between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan last month over their disputed border.
Putin also had a separate telephone conversation with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, along with Uzbekistan, have been fighting over claims regarding the borders, especially the fertile Fergana Valley, since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia has played a crucial part in mediating tensions between Central Asian countries over the years.
Tajikistan has been concerned about the presence of militants along its 1,360 km border with Afghanistan. Dushanbe fears a rise in militant activity in its borders and has several security arrangements with Kabul to prevent such a scenario from occurring. However, the security vacuum created by the US withdrawal and the rising incidents of violence in Afghanistan have undoubtedly made Tajik authorities anxious.
Putin Vows Security Support to Tajikistan Amid Rising Tensions in Afghanistan
Putin’s announcement comes as the Central Asian country is concerned over the possibility of escalating violence in Afghanistan spilling into its borders.
May 10, 2021
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin SOURCE: KREMLIN