In response to a question about the policy towards its neighbor, the minister emphasized that each state has the right to act in accordance with its interests. He noted that countries neighboring Afghanistan are also establishing cooperation based on their national priorities.
Dushanbe has resumed the operation of border markets and continues to supply electricity to Afghanistan, which is an important element of bilateral relations.
According to Muhriddin, trade turnover between Tajikistan and Afghanistan last year amounted to over 110 million dollars, indicating positive dynamics.
The minister also noted that Tajikistan is ready for international cooperation aimed at solving socio-economic problems in the region and called on the global community not to leave Afghanistan in a difficult humanitarian situation.
“Our position on Afghanistan remains unchanged. We strive for this country to be safe, stable, and prosperous,” he emphasized.
From 2024 to 2025, Dushanbe sent more than 6,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in response to the devastating earthquake.
Commenting on recent armed attacks at the border, the minister reported that the law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan and Afghanistan are working together to prevent incidents.
The Afghan side confirmed its intentions to take measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to conduct an investigation.
“Security issues at the border with Afghanistan remain critically important, and working contacts have been established between the relevant structures of the two countries,” the minister added.
The parties also condemned the actions of criminal and terrorist groups operating in the border area.
Recently, the border troops of Tajikistan prevented an attempt by a group of Afghan smugglers to illegally cross the border. As a result of the clash, three of them were killed, while two managed to escape into Afghan territory.
It should be noted that as a result of two attacks on Tajik border areas on November 26 and 30, 2025, five Chinese citizens were killed and five others were injured.
Tajikistan condemned these attacks and demanded that the "Taliban" take action against those responsible. In turn, the Taliban's foreign ministry indicated that the attacks were organized by groups seeking to destabilize the region.
According to Zafar Samad, the director of the Tajik Drug Control Agency, last year there were 17 armed clashes with smugglers at the Tajik-Afghan border, which is a significant increase compared to 6 similar incidents in 2024. During these clashes, 10 Afghan citizens and 2 Tajik border guards were killed.
Additionally, last year Tajik authorities detained 9 Afghan citizens for attempting to smuggle drugs. In 2025, 2,742 kilograms of narcotic substances were seized at the border, which also exceeds the amount seized in 2024 (1,824 kg). The majority of the seized drugs were found in the section of the border with the Khatlon region.
