Answers of the Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Igor Semenovich Lyakin-Frolov to the questions of the Russian news agency TASS
- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon stated at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit that there is a tangible concentration of “Taliban” on the southern borders with Afghanistan, and there are clashes with opposing groups. Is there, in your opinion, a real threat from Afghanistan to Tajikistan?
IGOR LYAKIN-FROLOV: Yes, indeed, there is a threat. According to some reports, about 6000 militants representing various terrorist organizations are concentrated in the northern regions of Afghanistan. The greatest danger comes from organizations in which there are people from the countries of Central Asia and some regions of Russia. Among the main ones are the Islamic State (the IS movement is banned in Russia, Tajikistan, and other countries), Jamaat Ansarullah, and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. According to our observations, their activity in winter has decreased, since now the main mountain trails and roads are covered with snow. This is a common occurrence in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. In the spring, when the weather changes, their activity may increase. In general, the interaction between the “Taliban” and terrorist organizations is an ambiguous phenomenon, and it is difficult to predict how it will develop in the future. But we must be prepared for any emergencies.
- What kind of assistance does the CSTO provide in ensuring the security of Tajikistan? Under the guise of refugees militants, extremists and radicals could penetrate the territory of Tajikistan. Is there any threat of a possible organization or strengthening of radical elements?
IGOR LYAKIN-FROLOV: The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is closely following the development of the situation in Tajikistan; at the suggestion of the Tajik partners, mechanisms are being worked out to protect its southern borders. The CSTO believes that now Tajikistan needs such assistance more than ever. Some measures in this direction have been taken and are being taken.
At the end of last year, large deliveries from Russia of military equipment, weapons, ammunition for equipping and modernizing the armed forces of Tajikistan were carried out. We believe that such steps will strengthen the combat readiness of the Tajik armed forces.
Thanks to this assistance appropriate work have been carried out to strengthen the protection of hard-to-reach mountainous sections of the Tajik-Afghan border, the border posts located on them are now fortified with additional personnel and military equipment. In addition, the CSTO member countries are ready to intensify their efforts to counter the propaganda of terrorism and extremism.
The Russian side, together with Tajik partners, at the end of last year, launched our joint project to build a modern border outpost in Tajikistan on the border with Afghanistan in the Shamsiddin Shokhin district. A relevant agreement has already been signed and funding has been approved.
In a positive light, we consider the issue of increasing the number of joint military training through the CSTO and on a bilateral basis. Undoubtedly, the 201st Russian military base, which is a reliable guarantor of security and stability not only in Tajikistan but also throughout the entire Central Asian space, plays a huge role in protecting the southern borders of the Organization. Over the past few years, the base has been fully staffed and equipped with modern weapons.
The combat readiness of the Russian base has increased, which can give a worthy response to the threats and challenges emanating from Afghanistan.
In addition, as part of the joint efforts of the CSTO countries, it is planned to activate the interaction of special services to identify and neutralize extremist terrorist cells that are trying to violate the borders of Tajikistan.
Returning to your question about refugees, according to the UN, at least 5,700 people arrived in Tajikistan from Afghanistan last year, who can be considered refugees. Some of them have already left for third countries, but most have remained here. We are talking, first of all, about the Afghanistan Tajiks, who are the largest national minority in Afghanistan, who arrived here legally and are afraid of returning to their homeland controlled by the “Taliban”.
In the event of further deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan, which is currently experiencing a deep socio-economic and humanitarian crisis, new "waves" of refugees may come to Tajikistan. Already, the Tajik authorities, together with international partners led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, are developing appropriate response plans. According to them, in the event of a negative development of events in Afghanistan, another 11-12 thousand of its inhabitants may decide to escape to Tajikistan by the end of 2022.
At the same time, we hope that Dushanbe will be able to avoid a new mass “influx” of refugees, which would require serious financial costs and a lot of organizational work to receive, check and accommodate them.
In addition, there is always a risk that potential militants and radicals may be among the peaceful refugees. The leadership of Tajikistan, of course, understands this very well. Therefore, the competent authorities of the republic conduct constant operational work in this area, including in cooperation with the relevant Russian departments.
- How do you assess Russian-Tajik relations in general?
IGOR LYAKIN-FROLOV: Our relations with Tajikistan have a long history. We lived in one state for a long time, and now ties of strategic partnership and alliance bind us. In general, the population treats Russia and Russians in a friendly manner, with sympathy, respect and hospitality.
The political dialogue continues to develop actively. Last year was rich in visits at the high and highest levels. This year, in April, our countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. On this occasion, it is planned to hold a number of political and humanitarian events.
Humanitarian cooperation is actively developing between Russia and Tajikistan, within the framework of which the Russian-Tajik (Slavonic) University. The branch of the Lomonosov Moscow State University and other Russian universities are operating here. About 30 thousand students from Tajikistan study in Russia. A five-year project was successfully implemented in the republic, during which 50 Russian teachers were sent to work in local schools. We expect that five Russian schools teaching in Russian will open their doors this year. A lot of success has been achieved in the economic direction as well. You know that Russia is the main trade and economic partner of Tajikistan. The volume of trade between our countries last year amounted to $1.352 million.
Migration issues also remain an important item on the agenda of our cooperation. About 1 million people annually leave to work in Russia. Many people have Russian citizenship along with Tajik. In 2021, over 65,000 Tajiks received Russian citizenship.
Here they highly appreciate the positive role that Russia has played and continues to play in Central Asia and in the world. And I am convinced of the strength and durability of relations between our countries and peoples.
