Viktor Vasilyev, Russia's permanent representative to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), described Afghanistan as one of the organisation’s main challenges.
Vasilyev stated that significant terrorist groups with various religious affiliations are present in Afghanistan.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, the Russian state news agency, he mentioned that some of these groups had not appeared randomly but had been compelled to depart from the Middle East, particularly the border region between Syria and Turkey.
He also noted that those individuals are trained in combat tactics and have access to funding.
According to Vasilyev, terrorist groups in Afghanistan have different names and religious compositions.
He also announced that all member countries of the CSTO support the programme to strengthen the borders between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are members of the CSTO.
Russia's representative to the CSTO stated that each country will decide how it can assist experts, improve equipment, and train troops based on its own needs and capabilities.
Vasilyev acknowledged the need for dialogue with the Taliban but implied that such talks are currently not feasible. According to him, engaging with the Taliban within the framework of the CSTO requires resolving legal issues.
He confirmed that some CSTO member countries have their own channels for interaction with the Taliban.
Like other countries, Russia does not officially recognise the Taliban, however, maintains diplomatic relations despite increasing threats from Afghanistan.
The Taliban remains on Russia's list of terrorist groups. Nonetheless, Russian officials recently stated that the removal of the Taliban from this list is under review.
