DUSHANBE, March 10, 2015, Asia-Plus – The High Level Security Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Central Asia is opening in Dushanbe today.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, delegations from Central Asia’s nations and the European External Action Service have arrived in Dushanbe to participate in the event that runs through March 12.
The event participants are expected to discuss issues related to strengthening regional security in Central Asia, in particular addressing a growth in extremism and radicalism in the region, the source said.
The event participants plan to develop specific agreements and initiatives to maintain stability in the region.
The Dialogue provides a new vehicle for addressing political and security issues of shared concern, including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) risks.
The High Level Security Dialogue reflects a shared interest that the EU and Central Asian countries have in strengthening dialogue and cooperation on security issues. It continues the tradition of earlier security-focused exchanges such as the EU-Central Asia Security Forum held in 2008 and in 2009 and the annual EU – Central Asia Ministerial Meetings. It also builds on the intensified levels of cooperation developed through the EU – Central Asia Strategy for a New Partnership adopted by the European Council in 2007 and the substantial EU cooperation programs in the region.
