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Situation in Afghanistan requires CSTO action — Tajik defense minister

The minister noted that "the situation in Afghanistan’s provinces bordering Tajikistan tended to deteriorate and required concerted action in the military-technical sphere to counter these processes"

© AP Photo/Burt Herman

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DUSHANBE, June 4. /TASS/. The situation in Afghanistan’s provinces bordering Tajikistan is deteriorating and requires coordinated action in the military-technical sphere in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Tajikistan’s Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo said on Thursday.

"In this context, of particular concern is the situation in neighboring Afghanistan affecting considerably the regional security," he told a meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of CSTO member-countries, which began work in a narrow format.

The minister noted that "the situation in Afghanistan’s provinces bordering Tajikistan tended to deteriorate and required concerted action in the military-technical sphere to counter these processes."

He added that maintaining security of the CSTO members was among Tajikistan's priorities during this country’s chairmanship in the organization. "I am confident that with your support we will be consistently implementing the tasks we are facing," Mirzo said.

He also noted that the participation of military units from CSTO member-countries in the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow "had clearly demonstrated our solidarity, unity and readiness to jointly confront any modern challenges and threats."

According to CSTO Secretary-General Nikolay Bordyuzha, the Council of Defense Ministers would discuss the results of a surprise combat readiness inspection of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Force held between May 12 and May 22. The council will also consider a number of issues related to the development of the organization’s military component.

Prior to the council's meeting, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu held talks with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. The meeting was closed to media.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

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Afghanistan Tajikistan CSTO

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