Russia ready to use air base in Tajikistan for protection of its allies - Lavrov

AKIPRESS.COM - Russia will make all possible, including via use of the military base in Tajikistan, to protect allies from threats emanating from Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We will make all possible efforts, including via use of possibilities of the Russian military base on the border of Tajikistan with Afghanistan to prevent any aggression against our allies," Tass cited Minister Lavrov as saying.
He reminded Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his colleagues from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and is in contact with other Central Asian leaders.
"Obligations in the framework of CSTO remain fully in force. CSTO Secretariat representatives visited the Tajik-Afghan border, evaluated the situation and will report to the permanent council now," the Russian Foreign Minister said.
Russia closely follows situation in Afghanistan, he said.
"The situation tends to rapid deterioration there, including in the context of the hasty withdrawal of US and other NATO troops, who have not achieved visible results in terms of stabilization of situation there despite presence for decades there," Lavrov said.