CSTO Addresses Ongoing Terrorism Threats in Central Asia Amid Afghanistan's 'Positive Changes'

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a meeting with parliamentary committee chairs from its member states to address ongoing concerns over terrorism, radical ideology, and drug trafficking in Central Asia.

This discussion took place despite what the CSTO referred to as "well-known positive changes in Afghanistan," The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

According to a statement from the CSTO, Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov addressed representatives responsible for international relations, defense, and security. The meeting took place at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Among the key topics discussed were the final declaration of CSTO leaders, the Targeted Interstate Program for Strengthening the Tajik-Afghan Border, and a decision by the Collective Security Council on enhancing allied relations, the statement said.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, regional countries have repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential spillover of terrorist threats from Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to strengthen border security.

“I assure you that the CSTO Secretariat is making every effort to strengthen the organization’s political authority and defend the collective interests of member states, ensuring their stable military-political and economic development for the benefit of our nations,” Tasmagambetov said.