In a statement delivered at the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted on September 20 that in today's challenging and turbulent time, international community more than ever needs integration and trust.
“We are now witnessing alarming developments in the international arena against the backdrop of increasing modern threats and challenges,” Rahmon said.
According to him, terrorism, extremism and transnational organized crime, rapid armament, as well as the escalation of the Cold War threaten international peace, security and development.
Tajik leader said that security, stability and regional cooperation in Central Asia are directly linked with the situation in neighboring Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan continues to face a difficult political, economic and social situation. As the UN Secretary-General puts it, 97% of Afghans live in poverty,” said Rahmon. “In this challenging time, Tajikistan reaffirms its commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance and its infrastructure as well as 6 bridges on the border to support the Afghan people.”
Tajik president once again called on the international community to increase the volume of humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Afghanistan.
“We in this regard are ready for further increased cooperation with international partners and other interested parties,” Rahmon said, noting that Tajikistan continues considering the establishment of intra-Afghan dialogue and the creation of a truly inclusive government with the participation of representatives of all peoples, nations and political and social groups as an important ground for achieving lasting peace and genuine stability in Afghanistan.
He said that drug trafficking, especially from Afghanistan, has increased dramatically over the past two years. According to him, Tajikistan’s competent authorities over the same two-year period have seized more than 10 tons of narcotics along the border with Afghanistan, which is several times more than in previous years.
He further noted that the response to the growing threats of terrorism, extremism, trafficking in narcotics and other global modern threats and challenges must be comprehensive.
