Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly condemned last week’s deadly attack in Tajikistan that killed three Chinese nationals, calling for enhanced regional security cooperation and joint action against militant threats.

According to a statement released Tuesday by the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi held a telephonic conversation with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin to express regret over the incident in Tajikistan’s Khatlon region and reaffirm Kabul’s commitment to border security and regional stability.

“Condemning and expressing regret over the recent security incidents on Tajik territory resulting in casualties among Chinese nationals, Muttaqi stressed that joint cooperation for regional stability is a timely necessity,” the statement said. He emphasized that Afghanistan is prepared to strengthen border security measures, conduct joint investigations, and engage in coordinated action against hostile elements operating in border areas.

The discussion covered a broad range of bilateral issues, including political relations, economic cooperation, border management, security coordination, and wider regional initiatives. Muttaqi noted that Afghanistan and Tajikistan have recently developed an improved atmosphere of trust in political, economic, and security cooperation, while warning that certain groups are attempting to undermine this positive momentum.

Highlighting historical, cultural, and religious linkages between the two neighboring countries, Tajik Foreign Minister Muhriddin reiterated Dushanbe’s support for closer border coordination. He also affirmed that Tajikistan favors constructive engagement with Afghanistan’s current administration and rejects groups seeking to destabilize relations between the two states.

“The two sides agreed to maintain regular contact between border forces, continue joint security-cooperation committees, and hold technical meetings to promote mutual trust and stability in the region,” the Afghan Foreign Ministry added.

The condemnation follows a deadly incident reported by Tajik authorities. According to the Tajik Foreign Ministry, an armed attack was carried out on the night of November 26 against a workers’ camp belonging to LLC Shahin SM in the control zone of the 1st Border Guard Post ‘Istiqlol’ of the ‘Yol’ Border Detachment in the Khatlon region. The attackers allegedly launched the assault from Afghan territory using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with grenades and firearms. As a result, three employees of Chinese nationality were killed.

The attack has heightened concerns over security in the border region, which is strategically important due to infrastructure projects linked to China’s broader regional economic involvement. It also underscored growing anxieties among Central Asian states about cross-border militancy involving advanced technologies such as drones.

China reacted swiftly to the incident. On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan Guo Zhijun urgently contacted Tajik Foreign Minister Muhriddin and Farhod Kamolzoda, First Deputy Chairman of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security. According to the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe, discussions focused on ensuring the safety of Chinese enterprises and citizens in the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border region.

Guo reportedly demanded that Tajik authorities take all necessary measures to safeguard Chinese nationals and investments, reflecting Beijing’s growing concern about security threats to its citizens working abroad.

The incident highlights the complex security dynamics of the Afghanistan–Central Asia borderlands, where geopolitical interests, economic projects, and militant threats intersect. Afghanistan’s commitment to coordinated security measures may play a critical role in rebuilding regional confidence and preventing further cross-border violence.