CSTO countries say Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan should participate in Afghanistan related activities

The CSTO members stated that one of the crucial factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability in the region was the soonest settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocated the emergence of Afghanistan as an independent, united and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs.

The organization expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the stepping up of the activities of foreign terrorist organizations, primarily IS and its Wilayat Khorasan branch in this country.

“We strongly condemn terrorist attacks targeting civilians, state officials and members of foreign diplomatic missions. We call on the current authorities of Afghanistan to strengthen counter-terrorism measures, eradicate terrorism on the territory of the country, and prevent its transformation into a hotbed of international terrorism,” the CSTO statement emphasizes.

The CSTO confirmed its readiness to provide consolidated assistance in countering threats to regional security emanating from Afghanistan, including in terms of maintaining peace and stability on the southern borders of the organization, and advocated taking measures to strengthen sections of the Tajik-Afghan border and implementing an initiative to create a security belt around Afghanistan.