Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu suggested that he and his CSTO colleagues and border states should discuss in the near future issues related to the situation in Afghanistan, from where NATO forces are withdrawing.
"I think we should discuss these issues in the near future," Shoigu said at a meeting with Kazakh Defense Minister Nurlan Yermekbayev.
Speaking about regional security problems, Shoigu said Russia is particularly concerned about the situation in neighboring Afghanistan in connection with the decision to withdraw NATO military contingents from there.
"We do not really believe that there will be peace and tranquility there. Twenty years of the presence of NATO contingent in this territory has not resulted in stability in Afghanistan," Shoigu said. "That is why we are holding consultations with our colleagues from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, with you, Kyrgyz friends," the minister said, suggesting that he would soon discuss issues related to the situation in Afghanistan with colleagues from the CSTO and bordering states.
He thanked his colleague for finding an opportunity to visit Moscow and take part in the Moscow conference on international security amid the pandemic.
"The Republic of Kazakhstan is Russia's main strategic ally and most important partner. Interaction between our defense agencies is maintained at a high level and is carried out both bilaterally and multilaterally within the framework of the CIS, CSTO and SCO," Shoigu said, suggesting moving on to a discussion of current issues of cooperation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS