MOSCOW, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian-Tajik joint military exercises kicked off in the Pamir Mountains near the Tajik-Afghan border Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

More than 400 Russian servicemen and 700 Tajik reservists will cover a 700-km route under difficult climatic conditions, including in the mountain range. The exercises will end on July 21.

Russia's 201st military base in Tajikistan is its largest military facility abroad. Moscow intends to keep it at least until 2042, in accordance with a bilateral agreement.

Tajikistan, a traditional partner of Russia, is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russia-led military alliance established in 1992.

Moscow has repeatedly voiced its concern that terrorists from Afghanistan could enter the Central Asian countries.