Recently adopted OSCE-supported Tajik National Border Strategy presented to international working group

DUSHANBE, 4 May 2010 - The recent adoption of the OSCE-supported Tajik National Border Strategy and its Implementation Plan was the topic of a briefing held today by the Tajik National Border Strategy Co-ordinator, Major-General Kosimjon Gafarov, at a meeting of the Dushanbe-based Border International Working Group.

The Border Strategy, developed with support from the OSCE Office in Tajikistan in a project financed by Finland, was adopted by the government on 29 April.

Gafarov, who led an inter-agency working group that developed the strategy and the implementation plan, told participants in today's meeting that the document provided strategic guidance for Tajikistan's border management agencies.

"With the approval of the Strategy and its Implementation Plan, Tajikistan's border and law-enforcement agencies and ministries were provided with a clear government policy framework for the co-ordinated strengthening of Tajikistan's border security and management," he said. "This plan defines the government's strategic vision, objectives and priorities for the period 2010-2025 and the concrete tasks required to achieve these objectives."

The Strategy aims to enhance border security and management and to promote trade while respecting human rights.

The OSCE Office in Tajikistan is supporting the implementation of the Strategy with border management projects and technical support.