OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO), Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her official visit to Tajikistan on April 15.

The OSCE Dushanbe Programme Office says that during her talks with President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Chairperson Linde discussed the Swedish Chairpersonship’s priorities, with its emphasis on defending the European security order and upholding the OSCE concept of comprehensive security.

The interrelatedness between political and economic security, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and equality constitute the very foundation of this concept.

“Tajikistan’s contribution to peace and stability in the region is essential.  The OSCE contributes to its efforts by strengthening border security and enabling economic connectivity in an environmentally sustainable manner.  As the Women, Peace and Security agenda is a guiding theme for our Chairpersonship, I commend Tajikistan’s initiative to develop a National Strategy on the Enhancement of the Role of Women.  This is a step in the right direction. Societies where human rights are fully enjoyed by all are more secure and offer better prospects for sustainable, resilient and prosperous development,” Linde said.

In her high-level meetings, Chairperson Linde reportedly expressed her appreciation for Tajikistan’s continued support to the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. Chairperson-in-Office Linde was accompanied by Ambassador Valeriu Chiveri, Head of Programme Office in Dushanbe to her meetings.

While in Dushanbe, Linde visited one of the OSCE flagship initiatives, the Border Management Staff College and praised the College’s continued commitment and dedication to enhancing border security and management across the Central Asian region and beyond.

Linde also met with civil society representatives and discussed civil society’s important contributions to implementing Tajikistan’s OSCE’s joint commitments, including in the areas of democracy and gender equality.

The OSCE Chairmanship is held for one calendar year by the OSCE participating State designated as such by a decision of the Ministerial Council.  The function of the Chairperson-in-Office (CIO) is exercised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that State.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe promotes the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments.  With a special emphasis on the regional context, it assists Tajikistan in tackling problems and threats to security, supports conflict prevention and crisis management measures.  As such, it works in areas such as border management, police reform, counter-terrorism and small arms and light weapons stockpiling and storage.  The Programme Office also supports the country in developing free trade, good governance, environmental protection and water and energy security.  The Programme Office supports the development of the rule of law and democratic political institutions and processes, including the respect for human rights.