The minister noted that every sovereign nation has the right to determine its policy based on its own interests. He added that many neighboring countries, including those bordering Afghanistan, are also developing their relations with this country based on similar principles.
He also reported that Dushanbe has resumed the activities of border trade markets and continues to supply electricity to Afghanistan.
Speaking about bilateral relations, the minister pointed to the increase in trade turnover between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which exceeded 110 million dollars last year.
Sirojiddin Muhriddin emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing socio-economic issues in the region and called on the global community not to leave Afghanistan in a difficult humanitarian situation.
He expressed Tajikistan's unwavering position regarding Afghanistan, wishing to see this country safe, stable, and prosperous.
In 2024-2025, Dushanbe provided Afghanistan with more than 6,000 tons of humanitarian aid following a devastating earthquake.
In response to questions about recent incidents on the border with Afghanistan, he noted that the law enforcement agencies of both countries are actively working to prevent such cases.
The minister reported that the Afghan side confirmed its readiness to take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents and to conduct a full investigation.
“Ensuring security on the Tajik-Afghan border remains a priority. In this regard, working contacts have been established between the relevant structures of Tajikistan and Afghanistan,” he added.
He also condemned the activities of criminal and terrorist groups in border areas.
Recently, the border troops of the State National Security Committee of Tajikistan prevented an attempt by a group of smugglers to illegally cross the border, five of whom were trying to enter Tajik territory. During the incident, three smugglers were killed, and two managed to escape into Afghanistan.
Earlier, as a result of two attacks on November 26 and 30, 2025, carried out from the Afghan side, five Chinese citizens were killed, and another five were injured.
Tajikistan condemned these attacks, demanding that the "Taliban" detain those responsible. In response, the Taliban Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks were carried out by groups seeking to create instability in the region.
According to Zafar Samad, director of the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan, last year there were 17 armed clashes on the border between Tajik security forces and Afghan smugglers, resulting in the deaths of 10 Afghan citizens and two Tajik border guards.
Last year, Tajik authorities detained 9 Afghans for attempting to smuggle drugs. In 2025, 2,742 kilograms of narcotic substances were seized on the Tajik-Afghan border, significantly more compared to 1,824 kilograms in 2024. The majority of the seized drugs were found on the border with the Khatlon region.
