Tajikistan held talks with the Taliban on border issues

Representatives of Tajikistan proposed to Taliban officials to resolve border issues through mutual understanding and cooperation.

According to Afghan media close to the Taliban, on November 17, 2025, a Tajik delegation in Kabul met with the Minister for Borders, Tribes, and Nationalities of the Taliban government, Nurullo Nuri. The parties discussed security issues, border problems, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

It is reported that the First Deputy of the Border Troops Committee of Tajikistan, Abdulvokhid Mirzozoda, stated at this meeting that the Tajik authorities intend to expand cooperation with Afghanistan, especially in the trade and economic sphere. He also emphasized that the peoples of both sides want to live in safety, and existing border issues should be resolved through mutual understanding and negotiations.

During the meeting, Taliban representative Nurullo Nuri stated that they are fighting against drug trafficking and human trafficking, and that ensuring stability on the Tajik-Afghan border is a key security factor for both countries.

The negotiations of the Tajik delegation with the Taliban border representatives are taking place against the backdrop of increased armed clashes in recent months between Tajik border guards and Taliban forces on the Tajik-Afghan border, resulting in casualties.

Clashes are occurring due to changes in the course of the Amu Darya River (Pyanj) in the area of gold mining projects involving Afghan and Chinese mining companies.

After this conflict, a video surfaced online showing Tajik border guards and Afghan Taliban sitting at a negotiation table, engaged in a tense conversation. The parties mutually accused each other of providing shelter to their political opponents.

It is worth noting that on November 17, 2025, a delegation of 14 Tajik officials arrived in Kabul for meetings with Taliban representatives. The delegation included representatives from the Border Troops, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State National Security Committee, representatives of the executive authority, and other representatives of Tajikistan’s law enforcement agencies. The delegation held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi and the Minister for Borders, Tribes, and Nationalities Nurullo Nuri.

Additionally, meetings are planned with the head of the Taliban government, Muhammad Hasan Akhund, and the head of the intelligence service, Abdulhakim Vaisik.

It is noted that the Tajik side has not yet commented on the visit. However, Afghan media close to the Taliban government report that the purpose of the Tajik delegation’s visit to Kabul is to negotiate with Taliban representatives on expanding political cooperation, security collaboration, future joint projects, and regional relations. Another issue that may be discussed at this meeting is the operation of the Afghan embassy in Dushanbe, which is still under the control of the ousted Afghan government. The Taliban are seeking control over the embassy.

Prior to this delegation’s visit, Afghan and Tajik media had already reported multiple times on mutual visits by representatives of the diplomatic and security structures of the two countries.

The absence of comments from the Tajik authorities is also notable because it is the only country in Central Asia that officially states it does not support direct relations with the Taliban and has repeatedly criticized the government.