Dushanbe and Moscow have agreed to step up efforts to bolster security along Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan.   

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday in Dushanbe after his talks with Tajik leader with Emomali Rahmon that “Tajikistan is a key country” for regional security in Central Asia.

Putin said he and Rahmon agreed to “step up joint efforts to defend the Tajik-Afghan border, using capacities of the Russian military base located in Tajikistan.” 

“We are concerned over a rapid growth of drug trafficking, transnational crime and in this regard we agreed to intensify joint actions to protect the Tajik-Afghan border, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base deployed in Tajikistan," Russian president said.

“The presidents discussed the situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of promoting stability and development in this country. The parties will continue to coordinate efforts to neutralize security threats coming from the south in the direction of the Commonwealth of Independent States,” the joint communiqué singed after Rahmon-Putin talks read.

Recall, Russian officials have repeatedly voiced concern over the security situation near Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan.