As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s common border with Afghanistan, a working meeting was held on December 23 between the Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Safety Agency, Professor Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, and the Commander of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Lieutenant-General Murodali Rajabzoda.
The meeting emphasized the critical importance of enhancing inter-agency cooperation in the field of national security, particularly in light of ongoing and new cross-border challenges related to the illegal trafficking of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials, their components and precursors, as well as narcotics coming from neighboring regions.
The central topic of discussion was the training and qualification enhancement of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense (RCBD) personnel of the Border Troops in modern methods for detecting, identifying, and initially responding to CBRN threats and incidents of illegal drug trafficking.
The parties specifically discussed:
· The implementation of modern technical means for detecting and monitoring CBRN materials, including portable radiation control devices, chemical identification instruments, and biological screening tools;
· Developing integrated approaches for identifying narcotics and hazardous chemical compounds at checkpoints and in border areas;
· Improving the training methodology and curriculum programs, taking into account the specifics of the Tajik-Afghan border;
· Conducting joint training exercises, tactical-specialized classes, and simulation drills aimed at improving the operational readiness of the units.
Professor Ilhom Mirsaidzoda highlighted the CBRN Safety Agency's readiness to provide comprehensive scientific-methodological, expert, and educational support to the Border Troops, including by developing specialized courses, engaging relevant national and international experts, and using the best international practices in CBRN safety and border control.
Lieutenant-General Murodali Rajabzoda, in turn, emphasized the importance of systematic and institutional cooperation with the CBRN Safety Agency and expressed interest in expanding practical collaboration to enhance the professional level of personnel and strengthen the resilience of border infrastructure against modern threats.
As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the near future, which will serve as the basis for long-term and structured partnership. The draft Memorandum includes:
· Coordination of activities and information exchange on CBRN risks and threats at the state border;
· Joint preparation and retraining of personnel, including training Border Troops’ RCBD service staff in modern methods for detecting CBRN materials and narcotics;
· Implementation of joint training, scientific-practical, and training activities;
· Providing expert and methodological support for the implementation of new control technologies;
· Exploring the possibilities of attracting international technical assistance, equipment, and training programs through specialized regional and international mechanisms.
The meeting was a practical step in the implementation of the country’s policy to ensure reliable protection of the state border, strengthen national security, and establish a resilient system to counter modern CBRN and narcotic threats.
