DUSHANBE, May 17, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Regional stability and strengthening of the management and security of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan were the focus of a meeting of visiting OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi that took place here on May 16.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, the two considered a broad range of issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the OSCE.  Zarifi and Ažubalis, in particular, discussed cooperation and interaction in strengthening the management and security of Tajikistan’s border, carrying out demining operations, fighting international terrorism and drug trafficking.

Development of regional economic cooperation and infrastructure as well as the human rights situation and media were also among major topics of the meeting.

The sides expressed satisfaction with activity of the Dushanbe-based OSCE Border Management Staff College that conducts workshops and courses for border and customs of officials of both Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Mr. Ažubalis invited Tajikistan to attend the upcoming OSCE conference on issues related to combating drug trafficking and enhancing border security and management within the OSCE area that will take place in Vienna from June 16 to 17 this year, the source said.