CSTO and UN Officials Emphasize 'Afghanistan Factor' in Regional Security

MOSCOW - Officials from the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the United Nations met in Moscow to discuss the security situation in Central Asia, placing particular emphasis on the 'Afghanistan factor' and its implications for regional stability.

Samat Ordabayev, CSTO Deputy Secretary-General, held talks with Kaha Imnadze, the UN Special Representative for Central Asia. Both sides stressed the need for continuous monitoring of developments in Afghanistan, adopting preventive measures against potential threats, and expanding cooperation with UN bodies.

The CSTO described ongoing monitoring of the Afghanistan factor on regional peace and security as a fundamental priority. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that its territory will not be used against any other country and that it has fully ensured border security.

Some experts believe the repeated mentions of the 'Afghanistan factor' represent efforts to increase political pressure and isolate the country. CSTO Secretary-General Talgatbek Masadykov previously stated that a joint meeting on Central Asia and Afghanistan security with participation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States will be held this year.