DUSHANBE, September 25, 2014, Asia-Plus – Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov held talks with the OSCE Secretary-General Lamberto Zanier on September 23 in New York on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, the sides discussed a broad range of issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
They reportedly expressed satisfaction with the level of the current cooperation and confirmed mutual readiness for further expansion of the cooperation.
Aslov and Zannier also exchanged views on issues regarding international terrorism, manifestations of extremism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, epidemics and global climate changes, the Tajik MFA information department said.
The OSCE’s engagement in Tajikistan began in February 1994. The Mission’s initial mandate was to facilitate dialogue between regional and political forces; promote respect for human rights; foster and monitor Tajikistan’s adherence to OSCE norms and principles; and help the country develop its legal and democratic institutions and processes. In 2002, a new broadened mandate established the Center in Dushanbe and included economic and environmental security issues. Six years later, the States adopted an even more robust mandate, introducing the complex area of border management into the OSCE’s tasks and changing the name of the Center to Office in Tajikistan.
As one of the largest OSCE field operations, the Office is now involved in a wide range of activities, ranging from arms control, counter-terrorism and border management projects to supporting cross-border markets and free economic zones, human rights, media development, and legal reform initiatives.
