The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) will pursue its activities in 2021 in Tajikistan, in line with its existing mandate and relevant priorities of the host country, within all three dimensions of the OSCE’s comprehensive and co-operative approach to security.

According to the OSCE Programme Office, the joint agreement between the OSCE and the Government of Tajikistan was declared at the annual OSCE Partnership Platform meeting in Dushanbe on October 15, 2020.

The meeting reportedly brought together high-ranking officials from Tajikistan’s government agencies and representatives of the OSCE.

Ambassador Valeriu Chiveri, Head of the POiD, noted the unusual circumstances the Office faced in conducting the Partnership Platform online.  Nevertheless, during the current global pandemic, an online format has proven to be the safest and most optimal way of communicating with partners.

“The OSCE POiD has been providing support to its partners in facing the challenges of the spread of COVID-19, and stands ready to continue supporting the improvement of operational capacities of it local partners,” said Ambassador Chiveri.

Tuula Yrjölä, Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Secretary General of the OSCE (OiC/SG), underlined the importance of the consultative Partnership Platform for the continued strong and practical co-operation between the OSCE and Tajikistan.  She commended the POiD for moving swiftly to offer assistance to, and adjusting its operations in support of, Tajikistan.  The OiC/SG also expressed appreciation for Tajikistan’s role in underpinning stronger regional co-operation and in strengthening stability in the region. In particular, she highlighted the work of the OSCE Border Management Staff College (BMSC) in Dushanbe.

Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister, Muzaffar Huseinzoda, noted, “It should be emphasized that such instrument of co-operation and dialogue between the host country and the Organization with the participation of a wide range of experts and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies is a unique experience in the OSCE area.  This meeting will allow us to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral co-operation through the development of joint projects in the three dimensions of the Organization.”

The Partnership Platform was launched in 2018 to reinforce cooperation between the POiD and Tajikistan based on genuine partnership, local ownership, openness and transparency.