Secretaries of Security Councils Meet on Afghan Issues in Bishkek

16 February

The sixth meeting of security council secretaries focused on Afghan issues took place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting was attended by representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of Russian Security Council (SC) representing Russia.

 

The participants were received by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on the same day. The meeting aimed to further discuss cooperation plans to address challenges and threats originating from Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for "proactive measures to prevent the spread of instability from Afghanistan to other nations."

 

"The parties have considered additional measures in the sphere of border security and cooperation to identify and cut off sources and channels of terrorism financing. They have agreed to exchange information on the activities of terrorist organizations and their supporters within Afghanistan," the press service reported.

 

"The participants of the meeting have also discussed proposals to deepen cooperation to prevent the weapons left in the country by the NATO military contingent from reaching militants. Simultaneously, they have expressed concern about the interference of external actors, particularly from Washington, in the internal affairs of Afghanistan," the press service of the Russian SC added.

 

The parties expressed interest in a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and the establishment of peace and stability in the country. Economic relations with Afghanistan and humanitarian aid provision were also discussed, given the country's severe socio-economic crisis. The meeting also touched on eradicating terrorist and drug threats and addressing migration issues.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Ninara/Creative Commons 2.0

Based on materials from TASS