Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow remains in close contact with Tajikistan over security concerns related to neighboring Afghanistan.

Speaking with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Putin said: “We are aware of your concerns about what is happening in our neighboring country, Afghanistan, and we are in close contact on these and other security-related issues.”

Russia and Tajikistan have maintained close security cooperation over concerns about instability and militant threats linked to Afghanistan.

Tajikistan shares a long border with Afghanistan and has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border security, terrorism, drug trafficking and other threats. Russia, which maintains a military presence in Tajikistan, has also strengthened cooperation with Dushanbe and other Central Asian states on border security and counterterrorism.

The issue of Afghanistan’s security situation has remained a key concern for Moscow and its Central Asian allies, particularly since the change of government in Kabul in 2021.

However, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has repeatedly stated that it will not allow any individual or group to threaten another country from within its borders.