DUSHANBE, June 14, 2013, Asia-Plus — The inaugural round of the High Level Security Dialogue between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) took place in Brussels on June 13, 2013, according to the Tajik MFA information department.
The meeting was held at the level of deputy foreign ministers and was chaired by Ms. Helga Schmidt, the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service.
Tajik delegation participating in the event was led by Deputy Foreign Minister, Nizomiddin Zohidov.
The meeting participants reportedly exchanged views on a number key issues related to the fight against drug trafficking, terrorism and extremism, prevention of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear risks in the region as well as the current situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Syria.
Press release issued by the European Union notes that the Dialogue reportedly 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 stability of the wider region – including Afghanistan – was also considered.
Key action agreed at the event includes: intensified implementation of the Joint Plan of Action for Central Asia under the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, including through expert assistance; further advance the EU”s border and counter-drug addiction programs, including BOMCA (Border Management in Central Asia) and CADAP (Central Asia Drug Action Program) and the next phase of the “Heroine route” project that will strengthen trans-regional law enforcement cooperation; renew and update the EU-Central Asia Action Plan on Drugs, for adoption at a High Level EU-Central Asia Conference later this year; and foster improved connections between EU programs in Central Asia and Afghanistan along the shared borders in the region, in order to enhance security, trade and transit in border regions and promote economic development.
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.
The High Level Security Dialogue will be held regularly; with the next round taking place in 2014. Tajikistan has offered to host it. Experts will meet on selected topics before then.
