Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to hold joint exercises
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will hold joint exercises in response to threats from Afghanistan
“On the whole, if we talk about our cooperation – it is developing quite successfully. We are holding a large set of exercises with Tajikistan related to the threats that arise. Exercises with our Uzbek colleagues are ahead of us, then there are triple exercises – Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. I hope we will conduct them as planned and with the expected effect,”, – Shoigu said at a meeting with Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo.
Shoigu said it is necessary not only to discuss issues within the CSTO, but also to take appropriate decisions and measures to ensure the security of borders and territories. According to him, the upsurge of terrorist activity in Afghanistan against the background of the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops from that country and the rapid degradation of the situation require quick action.
“Joint efforts to neutralise threats from neighbouring Afghanistan are now a priority. The hasty withdrawal of foreign troops has provoked a rapid degradation of the situation, a strengthening and a surge of terrorist activity. This situation demands that appropriate measures be taken. Such work is already underway”, – the minister stressed.
He also said that Moscow organized additional gratuitous supplies of Russian arms and equipment to equip the army of Tajikistan and continues training of qualified Tajik military personnel not only in Russian military higher educational institutions but also at the 201st Russian military base.
“We are paying increased attention to strengthening the combat capabilities of our base and refining plans to jointly repel possible infiltration by militants”, – Shoigu concluded.