CSTO Reports Increasing Threats on the Afghanistan border

The Collective Security Treaty Organization has expressed serious concern about the development of the situation in Afghanistan and the growing threats in the provinces bordering Central Asia.

According to the CSTO Secretariat, the allies have noted an increase in the risks associated with the activities of terrorist and extremist groups and drug-related crime emanating from the territory of Afghanistan.

The CSTO emphasizes that the instability in Afghanistan continues to pose a threat to the security of the entire region. Due to that, expanding regional cooperation in combating terrorism and drug trafficking is a task of high priority. Particular importance is attached to the implementation of the CSTO Targeted Interstate Programme on Strengthening the Tajik-Afghan Border, which should increase the level of security and stability on the southern borders of the CSTO.

Natalya Kharitonova, CSTO Secretariat press secretary, stated that the Afghanistan territory remains a source of threats related to terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking. The Organization considers it vital to continue coordinating the efforts of its Member States to counter these threats and strengthen the security of Central Asia.

As you may recall, in 2017 the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly adopted Recommendations on the Approximation of the CSTO Member States’ Legislation on the Provision of International Legal Assistance with Criminal Cases in the Framework of Countering Terrorism and Cross-Border Crime, formerly Recommendations on Countering Terrorism and Extremism.