On Thursday March 17, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon received the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
The parties reportedly discussed issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations and its agencies, including the UNHCR Office.
Emomali Rahmon, expressed satisfaction with cooperation of Tajikistan in the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees and called the fruitful cooperation with the UNHCR Office an example of Tajikistan's relations with the United Nations specialized agencies.
During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on the issues of further improving the legal framework for the cooperation process, creating appropriate legal instruments and bringing the national legislation of Tajikistan into line with international standards.
In connection with the recent events in Afghanistan, which led to a deep political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in this country, it was proposed to continue fruitful working contacts to provide targeted humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
The parties reportedly also constructively discussed other issues being of mutual interest.
On the same day, Mr. Grandi met in Dushanbe with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
The Tajik MFA information department says the parties exchanged views on important areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and UNHCR, including assistance to refugees, issues related to Afghanistan, and other aspects being of mutual interest.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi arrived in Tajikistan yesterday on a two-day visit following his four-day visit to Afghanistan.
While in Tajikistan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees is reportedly also scheduled to meet with refugees in Vahdat Township and visit the temporary shelter for refugees in Jaliliddin-Balkhi District, Khatlon Province.
Meanwhile, UNHCR’s website says Mr. Grandi arrived in Afghanistan on Monday and met with the interim Afghan government as well as UN and NGO workers who continue to provide vital assistance throughout the country. During his meetings, Grandi said UNHCR’s commitment to stay and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan is unwavering.
