Soldiers with the CSTO flag. Photo: asiaplustj.info
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov met with Tajikistan’s Minister of Defense, Sherali Mirzo (also known as Emomali Sobirzoda), and other high-ranking military officials to discuss the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the country’s border with Afghanistan. The meeting took place on April 11 in Dushanbe, according to a statement from the CSTO press office.
In addition to the defense minister, the Tajik delegation included Security Council Secretary Rahmon Yusuf Ahmadzoda and the commander of the Border Troops under the State Committee for National Security, Murodali Rajab Rajabzoda.
The talks focused on addressing specific tasks related to the first phase of the CSTO’s Targeted Interstate Program for reinforcing the Tajik-Afghan border. Participants expressed satisfaction with the expert-level consultations held previously and agreed to continue discussions within the framework of the program.
According to the CSTO press service, the Targeted Program was initially developed in accordance with a CSTO resolution from September 23, 2013, and formally adopted on November 28, 2024.
The initiative is to be implemented in three stages. During the first stage, which is planned for this year, the Tajik government—acting as the project’s coordinating authority—will assess the capacity of CSTO member states to supply arms, military equipment, and border surveillance technologies. This phase also involves identifying funding sources and signing contracts for procurement.
The second phase, slated for 2026–27, will involve the physical delivery of weapons and equipment to Tajikistan and their deployment at select border outposts.
The third and final stage, planned for 2027–29, will see the full implementation of the program across the entire length of the Tajik-Afghan frontier.
The project remains a priority for CSTO member states amid Tajikistan’s growing concern over terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, particularly those stationed near the post-Soviet republic’s border. The CSTO emphasized that the collective efforts of its members underscore the importance of regional stability and reflect a shared commitment to addressing pressing security challenges.
The CSTO is an international military alliance focused on promoting peace and regional security. Its members include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Armenia remains a formal member, though it has suspended its participation and is in the process of withdrawing from the organization.
