Taliban, Tajikistan FMs Hold Call after Drone Attack

DID Press: Taliban and Tajikistan Foreign Ministers (FMs) held a telephone conversation following a deadly drone attack targeting Chinese workers along the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border. The two sides emphasized strengthening political and security cooperation, warning that certain groups are attempting to undermine mutual trust.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, and Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Tajikistan’s foreign minister, discussed recent bilateral and regional developments, with a focus on the terrorist drone attack in Tajikistan’s border zone that killed and injured several Chinese nationals.

During the call, both sides exchanged views on expanding political and economic cooperation, enhancing security coordination, and improving border management. They also highlighted the role of regional initiatives in promoting stability.

Muttaqi condemned the recent attack, describing it as tragic, and said some actors were attempting to destroy the atmosphere of trust emerging between the two countries. He added that the Taliban government is fully prepared to strengthen border security, conduct joint investigations, and coordinate efforts to counter “malicious elements.”

Tajikistan FM, referring to the historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, expressed support for expanding border and security cooperation. He said Dushanbe seeks constructive engagement with Kabul and rejects attempts by hostile groups to provoke tensions.

Both sides also agreed to maintain regular communication between border forces, activate joint security committees, and hold technical meetings to build confidence and reduce cross-border threats.

In recent months, the Taliban administration has sought to improve relations with Tajikistan. High-level visits have increased, including a trip by Taliban governor of Balkh province, Yousuf Wafa, to Dushanbe and a visit by a senior Tajik delegation to Kabul last month, where they met Taliban officials including Muttaqi.

Regional analysts view these developments as signs of a gradual shift in Tajikistan’s approach toward the Taliban — a country that previously maintained a cold relationship with Kabul and hosted opposition groups to the Taliban administration.