DUSHANBE, June 17, 2015, Asia-Plus – The annual forum of the OSCE–Tajikistan Task Force took place today in Dushanbe, where high-ranking officials from the OSCE and the Tajik government as well as representatives of civil society highlighted their recent major achievements and identified priorities for national and regional co-operation in 2016.

The meeting explored opportunities to intensify the OSCE’s assistance to Tajikistan to foster comprehensive security in the OSCE’s three dimensions. The participants particularly focused on support to the provinces of Tajikistan, particularly in the economic and environmental dimension. New threats to security such as combating Violent Extremism and Radicalization that lead to Terrorism (VERLT) were also discussed.

“The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan appreciates co-operation with the OSCE and its active role in the further democratization of our society,” said the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister Nizomiddin Zohidi.  “The annual Task Force Meetings are a remarkable example of the excellent co-operation between our country and the OSCE.  We believe that this is the most appropriate mechanism for assessing the results of co-operation and a long-term planning.”

Markus Mueller, Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, said: “This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, and the 21st anniversary of the opening of an OSCE presence in Tajikistan.  The OSCE presence in Tajikistan was established precisely to support the country’s commitments to the Helsinki Final Act and subsequent documents.  The security challenges in the last 21 years have evolved, but the principle from 40 years ago that a security threat to one country poses a threat to all others remains true today more than ever.”

The annual forum has been meeting in this format since 2007 to discuss the OSCE''s work in Tajikistan.