Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the situation on the Tajik-Afghan border by telephone with Tajik leader Emomali Rahmon. This was reported on Monday by the Kremlin press service.
"The difficult situation on the Tajik-Afghan border, caused by the escalation of armed confrontation in the territory of Afghanistan, including in the border zone, was discussed in detail," the statement said.
During the conversation, Putin confirmed his readiness "to give Tajikistan the necessary support, both bilaterally and within the Collective Security Treaty Organization".
The presidents also expressed their mutual desire to further strengthen Russian-Tajik relations of strategic partnership and alliance. Putin and Rahmon agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
Situation on the Tajik-Afghan border
On Monday, the press center of the Border Troops of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security reported that more than a thousand Afghan soldiers had retreated into the country after fighting with supporters of the radical Taliban movement (banned in Russia). Over the past two weeks, there have already been several cases of forced retreat of Afghan servicemen to the territory of Tajikistan.
Earlier, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said that the situation in northern Afghanistan was worsening and caused serious concern for the organization. It is necessary to help Tajikistan secure its southern border, he said. On July 1, the Council of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a statement of concern over the situation in Afghanistan and called on all political forces of the country to promote the peace process.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS