Putin says CSTO closely monitoring Afghanistan’s security situation

Russian President Vladimir Putin says member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan amid broader efforts to strengthen security along the alliance’s external borders.

Putin made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council at the Kremlin, which he chaired. According to Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency, he said developments in Afghanistan remain among the key issues receiving attention from member states.

Earlier, the CSTO Secretary-General identified efforts to counter cross-border threats and a programme to strengthen the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as major priorities for regional security.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk is scheduled to arrive in Kabul on Thursday, November 12, leading a high-level economic delegation.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, head of the Information and Public Relations Department of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

The delegation is also expected to include Russian investors and business representatives.

The developments highlight the growing attention being given to both economic cooperation and regional security in Afghanistan’s relations with Russia and other neighbouring states.