The comments were issued in written responses ahead of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov�s annual press conference, after questions could not be addressed due to time constraints.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said developments in Afghanistan and the security situation in Central Asia remain among the core issues facing the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), citing new and emerging threats in the region.

Lavrov made the remarks during talks in Moscow with the CSTO`s newly appointed secretary-general, Talasbek Masadykov, according to footage released by the Russian foreign ministry.

"Among the issues that today have a central place for the Collective Security Treaty Organization are new challenges and threats," Lavrov said. "I mean, first of all, the current situation in the Central Asian collective security region, as well as everything related to developments in Afghanistan."

Central Asian states have repeatedly expressed concern about security risks emanating from Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, particularly the threat posed by militant groups such as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), despite maintaining varying degrees of engagement with the Taliban.

Masadykov said the CSTO was preparing a draft plan to implement Russia`s priorities during its chairmanship of the bloc this year. The plan is undergoing internal coordination and is expected to guide the organisation`s activities, including on Afghanistan-related security issues.

He added that strengthening the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan was a key concern for the alliance and said a regional meeting focused on Afghanistan and Central Asia would be held later this year.

Tajikistan, a key CSTO member that shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan, has reported several deadly security incidents along the frontier in recent months, including attacks and clashes involving suspected militants and organised crime groups.

Security analysts say recent violence has highlighted the complex nature of threats in northern Afghanistan, involving terrorism as well as organised criminal networks linked to drug, weapons and currency smuggling.

Russia is the only CSTO member to have formally recognised the Taliban authorities. Tajikistan has also moved to restore ties with the Taliban, though both countries continue to voice concerns over what they describe as terrorist threats originating from Afghan territory.

Taliban deny that Afghanistan`s territory is being used to threaten other countries and say they are not allowing militant groups to operate from the country.