OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Linde concludes visit to Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, 16 April 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her official visit to Tajikistan on 15 April.

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 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.

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.