Commonwealth of Independent States Warns of Security Risks in Central Asia Due to Afghanistan Instability
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has issued a warning that the ongoing military, political, and economic instability in Afghanistan could pose serious mid-term security threats to the borders of Central Asia. This position was presented during the ninth regional meeting of the heads of border agencies from member states.
The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 7, in the city of Gulistan, Tajikistan, with delegations from the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in attendance. Representatives from the Coordination Council of Border Forces Commanders, the Anti-Terrorism Center of these countries, and the secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also participated.
According to a statement from the CIS Executive Committee’s media office, participants jointly emphasized that the prevailing instability in Afghanistan could have destructive effects on the security situation of the external borders leading into Central Asia. During the meeting, a set of practical measures was devised to maintain stability along the outer borders of the member countries.
The participants further discussed and exchanged views on actions that border agencies have undertaken to counter security threats, especially in areas adjacent to Central Asia.
This warning comes shortly after Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban administration’s foreign minister, stated yesterday at the “Afghanistan and Central Asia Consultative” meeting in Kabul that they would not allow Afghanistan’s territory to be used against neighboring countries, describing the issue as “unacceptable.” He urged neighboring states and the international community to take this position seriously.
However, the formal concerns expressed by CIS member countries indicate that despite the Taliban officials’ assertions, doubts remain over the capability and genuine commitment of the administration to effectively curb cross-border threats—a matter that has become a central concern for regional countries in recent years.
The Commonwealth of Independent States is a regional intergovernmental organization in Eurasia formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, aiming to strengthen economic, political, and security cooperation among former Soviet republics.
