Russia’s military base in Tajikistan important factor of regional security - statement

DUSHANBE, February 27. /TASS/. Russia and Tajikistan consider the presence of Russia’s 201st military base in the Central Asian republic as an important factor of regional security, according to a statement made by the leaders of both countries after their meeting on Monday. "The sides confirmed that the joint efforts by the armed forces of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Russian 201st military base on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan are an important factor of ensuring regional security. Both sides expressed their readiness for further coordinated actions in compliance with the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan on the status and the terms of the stay of the Russian military base on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan dated October 5, 2012," the document says. The joint statement also says that the presidents of Russia and Tajikistan discussed the situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and noted the importance of assistance to that country in ensuring stability and further development. "Having discussed the issues related to regional security and for the purposes of effectively countering modern challenges and threats, the sides will continue coordinating the efforts to neutralize security threats emanating from the south towards the Commonwealth of Independent States," the document says. The sides noted the importance of coordinating the joint activity of law-enforcement bodies and security agencies, and also interaction in the military and military-technical spheres. Russia and Tajikistan stressed the significance of further implementation of the accords on cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres in the interests of effectively countering challenges and threats to national and regional security. Following the negotiations between the leaders of Russia and Tajikistan, the sides confirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade and other challenges and threats in the interests of ensuring national security and maintaining regional stability, the document says. Both sides stressed the importance of preventing the spread of terrorist and extremist ideology, the financial, material and technical support of terrorism and terrorists' activity. The sides confirmed their interest in developing practical interaction in the above-mentioned areas both at the political level and among law-enforcement agencies and special services, the document says. Read more