Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concern that members of militant groups lurking in northern Afghanistan are trying to extend their influence across borders from Central Asia to Russia and threaten regional stability. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries.
Leaders of former Soviet countries such as Russia and Uzbekistan held an online meeting on the 15th to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
In this, President Putin said, "According to Russian information, the number of terrorists lurking in northern Afghanistan is 2,000 in IS alone, and it is trying to expand its influence to Central Asia and Russia," said the militant group IS = He expressed concern that the Islamic State and others are threatening the stability of the region.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries that border Afghanistan in counterterrorism measures.
On the other hand, regarding the provisional administration by the Islamist Taliban, President Putin said that "dialogue must continue," although it does not reflect the diversity of society and there is no need to rush to approve it.
According to the Kremlin, next week a meeting will be held in Moscow to discuss humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and other issues, with the Taliban expected to attend.
Russia seems to have a desire to play a major role in the stability of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US troops.