The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will begin delivering weapons and military equipment in 2026 to reinforce the southern borders of its member states, including the Tajik-Afghan frontier. The announcement was made by CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov at a meeting of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Council in Bishkek on May 19.
"The adoption of the Targeted Interstate Program to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border is a testament to the collective readiness of member states to secure the Organization’s southern flank through joint efforts," said Tasmagambetov. "The next step is its full-scale implementation."
During a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on April 11, the parties reportedly focused on the phased implementation of the program, including its financial framework and the types of weapons, military, and technical equipment to be provided.
Tasmagambetov highlighted ongoing threats from Afghanistan, noting that the country still poses a “high destabilizing potential” due to the spread of terrorism, illegal arms trafficking, and drug smuggling within Central Asia and CSTO member states.
"The Taliban regime has proven to be a long-term political factor," Tasmagambetov said. "Several CSTO members – including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia – have intensified bilateral engagements with Afghan authorities in efforts to promote social stability and security in the region."
He stressed the importance of continued monitoring of the situation in Afghanistan and strengthening coordination among CSTO members to counter emerging threats. He also confirmed that practical steps to enhance the bloc’s readiness will continue.
The secretary general also acknowledged positive regional developments, including the March 13 signing of a border treaty between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the March 31 agreement on the junction point of the borders between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The CSTO’s Targeted Interstate Program (TIP) to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border was officially approved by the CSTO Collective Security Council in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana on November 28, 2024. Its implementation will take place in three stages and is expected to be completed by 2029.
The CSTO is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, with the primary goal of protecting member states from external armed aggression. In 2024, Armenia suspended its participation in the bloc and announced its intention to withdraw.
