A ministerial conference of the mechanism of Afghanistan's neighboring countries is planned for January next year in Ashgabat. This was announced by Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu at the 12th meeting of secretaries of security councils of the CIS member states, which was held on 7 November in Moscow, the CIS Internet portal reported.

Referring to the Afghan issue, Shoigu noted: “Work on this line is being actively carried out on a systematic basis. The CSTO Collective Security Council is ready to approve the Target Program on strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border. A ministerial conference of the mechanism of Afghanistan's neighboring countries is planned for January next year in Ashgabat. The Moscow format of consultations is working, with a regular meeting held in October. Afghan issues are on the agenda of SCO meetings. Thus, all available mechanisms are being utilized.

“During their time in power, the Taliban have proved by deed that they can and must be dealt with. For our part, we are establishing practical ties with them and are studying the possibility of removing the Taliban from the Russian list of terrorist organizations”, the Russian Security Council secretary said. In his opinion, it is important to involve the Afghan authorities in regional cooperation and develop trade and economic cooperation with Kabul.

ORIENT