DUSHANBE, March 25, 2016, Asia-Plus – On March 24, Deutsche Welle talked to Russian Deputy Minister for Defense, Anatoly Antonov.

Antonov, in particular, noted that the war on terror will be the main topic at the international security conference to be held in Moscow at the end of April.

“The problem is that some countries are playing games with the terrorists.  They think it is possible to create islands that are free of terrorism,” said Russian deputy defense minister.  “At the UN General Assembly, our president extended his hand and said: “We have to stick together.”  If we do, we can come together like a fist.  It''s the only way that we can fight terrorism.”

“What part exactly can Russia play in the war on terror?  I''ll give you two examples.  First, let''s look at the Middle East. We have managed to stop the spread of terror in Syria. It would have been even better to combat its spread throughout the whole of the Middle East.”

Secondly, there''s Afghanistan, Antonov noted.  According to him, terrorists in Afghanistan are seriously endangering security, and “we are doing everything to ensure that this - for want of a better word - filth does not spread to Russia and the countries friendly to us.  That is why we are supplying the armies of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with modern weapons. We are doing everything to make their militaries more effective.”

Asked whether Russia is planning to return to the Tajik-Afghan border, Antonov said, “We haven''t received any such request from our friends in Tajikistan.  So far, they have mainly requested military assistance for their armed forces and equipment for their army.  And that is exactly what we are providing.”

He further added that Russia is working first and foremost with its allies.  “That includes the members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, that is, the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States,” Russian deputy defense minister said.