DUSHANBE, 03.12.2020 (NIAT Khovar) – During its 2021 presidency in the CSTO Tajikistan intends to strengthen collective security for peaceful and safe life. This was said yesterday by President Emomali Rahmon during the videoconference meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council.

Rahmon thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his great efforts during the Russian presidency to ensure the CSTO’s sustainable work in today’s context of challenges and threats.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global recession and has significantly affected the usual mode of life, forcing all countries to radically revise their plans and initiatives, leading to an increase in unemployment, jeopardizing food security,” said President Rahmon.

Since this is a factor in the growing terrorism and extremism, according to Rahmon, all these require an adequate response, including through the measures to strengthen the protection of the southern borders of the CSTO, especially in Afghanistan. He noted the growing importance of building up the CSTO’s capacities to effectively respond to security challenges and threats. During its CSTO presidency in 2021, Tajikistan intends to expand the range of goals and objectives to be addressed in the CSTO.