The Commonwealth of Independent States, a regional bloc of former Soviet countries, warned that Afghanistan’s political, economic and security instability could undermine border security across Central Asia, highlighting rising concern among neighboring governments.
The warning came during the ninth meeting of border agency chiefs from member states of the bloc, held Wednesday in Guliston, Tajikistan.
Delegations from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the meeting, along with representatives from coordinating bodies of border forces, counterterrorism centers and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
In a statement, the bloc’s executive committee said participants shared the view that Afghanistan’s “unstable military-political and economic situation” could have “destructive effects” on border security in Central Asia in the medium term.
Officials said they discussed practical measures to maintain stability along external borders and reviewed ongoing efforts to counter security threats, particularly in Central Asia.
The assessment stands in contrast to recent efforts by Taliban officials to reassure regional countries.
Speaking at a regional meeting in Kabul, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the Taliban would not allow Afghanistan’s territory to be used against other countries “under any circumstances.”
“We are very serious in this matter,” he said, urging neighboring countries to take the Taliban’s position seriously.
The Commonwealth of Independent States, formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, serves as a platform for political, economic and security coordination among its members and is widely seen as operating under significant Russian influence.
The group has increasingly focused on border security and regional stability as concerns persist over militancy, cross-border crime and economic fragility linked to Afghanistan.
