Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, highlighted Afghanistan’s internal stability as a pivotal factor directly influencing the security landscape of Central Asia, calling for constructive cooperation with Kabul.
Kabul 24: Speaking at the 14th annual meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states, Shoigu stressed that engaging with Afghanistan is essential to addressing shared challenges across security, economics, and regional development. “The situation in Central Asia is directly impacted by stability within Afghanistan. In this context, establishing constructive collaboration with Kabul is vital for tackling mutual concerns in security and economic development,” Shoigu stated.
Political analyst Syed Ebadullah Sadiq reinforced this view, emphasizing Afghanistan’s geopolitical significance. “Given its location at the heart of Asia, Afghanistan holds immense strategic importance. This is precisely why Russia and Central Asian nations are focused on ensuring long-term peace and stability in the country,” Sadiq noted.
In response, Islamic Emirate spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reaffirmed that Afghanistan currently enjoys overall security, but emphasized that maintaining this stability requires sustained international and regional partnership. “The continuity of stability relies on the continuity of cooperation. We call on all nations to fulfill their responsibilities and collaborate to support Afghanistan’s security, stability, and economic growth,” Mujahid declared.
These remarks follow the second meeting of the Special Representatives of Central Asian countries under the “Contact Group” framework, where regional delegates reaffirmed the need for strengthened coordination to support long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
