Sergei Shoigu: Russia raises alert status of bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan as Afghan situation worsens

Afghanistan’s “socio-economic situation is worsening, the ideology of religious radicalism is being fostered, drug trafficking and cross-border crime are flourishing”. Amid these developments, Russia increases the alert status of its bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and welcomes any international initiatives for an Afghan settlement.
Army General Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, said this on Wednesday at a meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.
In this regard, the role of the SCO “as a new centre of power, a model of interstate relations based on equality and mutual respect, and a guarantor of compliance with international law” is growing.
In Sergei Shoigu’s view, the military potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization needs to be enhanced.
Sergei Shoigu suggested holding a meeting of defence ministers of Russia and friendly countries, including SCO and CIS members, in December to discuss coalition-based security.
“The West seeks to maintain global dominance and exerts unprecedented pressure on independent states, which worsens the global economic situation, disrupts communications and artificially creates a food crisis,” the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation said.