Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has underscored that Russia’s primary security concerns remain the stability of Central Asia, with a particular focus on addressing the growing challenges posed by Afghanistan. Shoigu’s comments, made in an interview with Russian state news agency TASS, pointed to Russia’s continued efforts to safeguard its interests across the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Syria, and the broader region.
“Russia’s national interests in the global arena include such comprehensive problems as the situation in the Middle East, Syria, and Afghanistan,” Shoigu remarked, while highlighting that Russia’s approach to Afghanistan continues to be shaped by the country’s unstable and unpredictable political environment. He also hinted at the evolving nature of Russia’s relationship with the Taliban, following the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization in Russia. This move comes amid growing concerns over the Taliban’s ability to provide stability in Afghanistan and its impact on regional security.
Shoigu emphasized the necessity of maintaining strong relations with Central Asia, citing Russia’s ongoing role in promoting regional stability through multilateral cooperation. This includes organizations 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).
Shoigu’s remarks follow recent meetings between Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, and senior Taliban officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The Russian government’s engagement with the Taliban remains a controversial subject, given the group’s failure to deliver on promises of political stability and the continued risks of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Moscow to Host International Security Conference Amid Growing Regional Tensions
Shoigu also confirmed that the Moscow International Security Conference will take place from 27 to 29 May 2025, with over 150 nations expected to attend. The event will provide a platform for Russia to promote its security priorities, particularly in the face of instability in Afghanistan and other critical regions. Shoigu stressed that discussions will focus on bolstering security cooperation with countries in the “global South and East” while addressing the risks posed by states like Afghanistan that continue to undermine regional stability.
The conference will feature exhibitions on Russia’s military capabilities, including new advancements in weaponry and information security. While it remains unclear whether the Taliban will be invited, Russia’s diplomatic interactions with the group signal growing concerns about the state of security in Afghanistan and its implications for the wider region.
