DUSHANBE, 26.02.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – The 4th Regional Meeting of the Heads of Border Agencies of the Central Asian Region of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held today in the National Library of Tajikistan.

The heads of border agencies from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia, CIS Council of Border Troops’ Commanders (CBTC), ambassadors of foreign states accredited in Dushanbe and representatives of authoritative international organizations took part in the meeting.

The participants discussed the issues relating to enhancing cooperation of the CBTC with the working structures of international and regional organizations in order to increase the effectiveness of countering new challenges and threats to border security.

During the meeting, the heads of the border agencies actively exchanged their views on the trends in the operational situation on the border with Afghanistan in connection with the onset of the spring-summer period.

Having assessed the situation on the external borders of Tajikistan, the participants noted that despite the positive dynamics of the interaction of law enforcement border agencies aimed at combating drug trafficking, the situation on the border with Afghanistan remains difficult and needs a serious approach to its resolution.

They also came to the conclusion that the current situation requires a decision to unite the efforts of border agencies in curbing drug smuggling channels and countering the active activities of international terrorist and transnational organized criminal groups, radical religious extremist groups operating in the adjacent territory.

Participants also focused on the current situation and worked out additional measures to counter threats to border security at the external borders of the CIS member states.

Following the meeting, a protocol was signed, the recommendations of which will be discussed at the CBTC’s next meeting.