Russia and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an “independent, united, and peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorism and drugs,” according to a joint statement released Thursday by the Kremlin.
The statement followed talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe during Putin’s three-day visit to Tajikistan aimed at strengthening strategic and security ties between the two countries.
“The two sides reaffirm their support for the creation of an independent, united, and peaceful Afghanistan free from terrorism, war, and drugs,” the joint communiqué said, as quoted by Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.
Russian media reported ahead of the visit that Afghanistan’s security situation was expected to be a major topic of discussion between the two leaders, amid regional concerns over cross-border militant threats and the Taliban’s rule.
Putin’s visit comes two days after Russia hosted the 7th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, attended by representatives from 10 regional countries, including India, Iran, China, Pakistan, and the Taliban government.
During that meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban for what he called their efforts to combat the Islamic State group and curb drug cultivation and trafficking, while warning against any foreign military presence in Afghanistan or neighboring states.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, urged the Taliban at the Moscow forum to dismantle militant groups operating from Afghan territory that, he said, threaten Pakistan’s security.
Both Russia and Tajikistan have repeatedly voiced concern over the potential spread of terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan into Central Asia, particularly through Ta
