DUSHANBE, April 5, 2011, Asia-Plus — On Monday April 4, President Emomali Rahmon received a group of visiting OSCE ambassadors, according to the presidential press service.
“We consider the OSCE our important partner on international arena and have been always supporters of long-term and fruitful relations with the OSCE,” Tajik leader noted. He expressed satisfaction with the level of relations between Tajikistan and the OSCE.
The sides considered issues related to cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking as well as strengthening border with Afghanistan and carrying out mine clearance operations in border areas.
The OSCE ambassadors underlined an important role of Tajikistan in strengthening regional security and stability and supporting reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy.
Democratization of society, protection of rights and freedoms of citizens and improvement of the legal climate of entrepreneurship in Tajikistan were also among major topics of the talks.
An official delegation of the OSCE ambassadors led the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, arrived in Dushanbe on April 4. The delegation members include 22 OSCE heads of mission and Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center Herbert Salber. The purpose of the visit is for the delegation to get acquainted with the situation in Tajikistan, the OSCE activity on supporting strengthening border management and discuss regional cooperation development issues.
The OSCE first established a presence in Tajikistan in early 1994 when it opened the Mission to Tajikistan. In October 2002, it was renamed the Center in Dushanbe and its tasks were broadened. In June 2008, it became the Office in Tajikistan, following Decision 852 by the OSCE Permanent Council.
Based in Dushanbe, the Office has five field offices in Gharm, Khujand, Kulob, Qurghon Teppa and Shahritous. OSCE activities in the country fall into one or more of the following areas: politico-military dimension of security; human dimension of security; and economic and environmental dimension of security.
