In his video message for the High-Level Conference on International and Regional Border Security and Management Cooperation to Counter Terrorists, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on October 18 commended Tajikistan and UN partners for promoting international cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism, including through the “Dushanbe process”.

He, in particular, noted that “to secure borders – managed in full respect of international refugee and human rights law – are essential to realizing this goal.”

“They are critical defenses against diverse challenges, including illicit trafficking, organized crime, and the international movement of terrorists.

“Transnational threats such as terrorism demand – by their very nature – coordinated solutions and multilateral cooperation.

“And they require us to collectively look deeper to fully recognize and tackle the root causes and grievances that provide fertile ground for radicalisation.

“The United Nations is committed to working hand in hand with you on this vital undertaking.

“Together, let us strengthen peace, sustainable development and human rights in Central Asia and beyond.”