Russia Protecting Interests In Afghanistan & Syria, Says Security Chief Shoigu

Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has emphasised that Moscow’s longstanding priority since the Soviet era has been ensuring the security of Central Asia.

He added that simultaneously Russia has been working to safeguard its interests in Afghanistan, Syria, and the broader Middle East.

Speaking to the Russian state news agency TASS, Shoigu stated: “Russia’s national interests in the global arena include such comprehensive problems as the situation in the Middle East, Syria, and Afghanistan.” He did not elaborate further but noted that Russia’s interests vary depending on the specific circumstances in each region.

Shoigu highlighted that, within the post-Soviet space, a key strategic objective remains the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries through organisations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

His comments on Afghanistan come shortly after Russia’s Supreme Court approved a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office to suspend the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organisation in Russia. Following this decision, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, visited Kabul and held meetings with senior Taliban officials, including Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, Interior Minister.

Moscow Security Conference Set for May

Shoigu also announced that this year’s Moscow International Security Conference will be held from 27 to 29 May. According to Shoigu, representatives from more than 150 countries are expected to attend the annual gathering.

Organised by the Security Council of the Russian Federation, the conference focuses on multilateral cooperation and regional and global security challenges. It remains unclear whether the Taliban has been invited to participate this year, although former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has attended in previous years.

Regarding the conference agenda, Shoigu stated: “We plan to discuss concrete ways of strengthening security cooperation with countries of the global majority, or, as it is said today, the global South and East.”

In addition to plenary sessions and panel discussions, the event will feature exhibitions showcasing modern Russian weaponry, military equipment, and achievements in the field of information security.