Regional security talks focus on Afghanistan border risks

Regional security concerns linked to Afghanistan were the focus of high-level talks between the secretary general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov, and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana this week.

The meeting, held under the framework of the CSTO, addressed ongoing risks along Afghanistan’s northern borders, particularly the frontier with Tajikistan.

Officials reviewed progress on joint efforts to strengthen border security, with further meetings of foreign and defense ministers expected in the coming months.

Since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021, Central Asian countries have remained concerned about potential spillover threats, including militancy and instability along shared borders.

IEA officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, have sought to reassure neighboring states that Afghan territory will not be used to threaten regional security. However, organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States continue to warn that conditions in Afghanistan could pose medium-term risks to border stability.

Regional partners are now exploring additional measures to contain potential threats while maintaining security along their external frontiers.