DUSHANBE, July 3, Asia-Plus — A broad range of issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the NATO within the framework of the existing mechanisms of partnership and a joint fight against modern threats to regional security were discussed at a meeting of Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and the NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer that was held in Brussels on July 2, according to the Tajik MFA.
According to information posted on the MFA website, in the course of the talks the two exchanged views on an Individual Partnership Program adopted by Tajikistan. The program is designed to regulate interaction between the sides in the fields of language and military training, fight against international terrorism, drug trafficking, and emergency civil planning, the MFA website said.
During the meeting, the NATO secretary general appreciated Tajik government’s support for establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Zarifi, for his part, noted that the situation in Afghanistan evokes concern of not only the countries of the region but also international community. He stressed that a complex approach is needed to resolve Afghanistan’s problems. This approach should include providing security and facilitating socioeconomic development in Afghanistan, enhancement of its transportation, communications and energy sectors.
Tajik minister stressed that Tajikistan is interested in cooperation with the NATO to promote establishment of stability in Afghanistan. In this context, Zarifi proposed to consider the possibility of use of the NATO potential for enhancement of border and customs infrastructures of Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan and training of personnel for Tajik border ad customs services.
Considering other cooperation issues, the two also discussed the possibility of using the NATO Trust Fund to finance demining operations in border areas of Tajikistan.
