NATO Headquarters 9 Dec. 2004

Address by Mr. Aslov S. - First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan at the EAPC Ministerial Meeting News 08/12/2004 - NATO NATO Foreign Ministers meet in Brussels Events Programme of the Foreign Ministers meeting at NATO HQ on 8 and 9 December 2004 Distinguished Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished colleagues, Tajikistan considers active participation in the activities of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and in the "Partnership for Peace» Program as an important element of its foreign policy directed at strengthening the national security and safeguarding regional stability. NATO Istanbul Summit has opened new opportunities on cooperation of NATO with Central Asian countries. In this context my country welcomes the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary General to Caucasus and Central Asia. We are deeply convinced that Ambassador R. Simmons as the Representative in the region will make necessary contribution to further development of cooperation between the Central Asia and NATO. The foreign policy of Tajikistan directed at strengthening the regional security, combating terrorism, religious extremism and drug trafficking, always was and remains open and constructive. Recently our country adhered to all 12 antiterrorist conventions and has fully implemented the provision of the resolution 1373 (2001) of the UN Security Council. We believe that the Partnership Action Plan on terrorisms is the main platform for joint efforts of the NATO member countries and partner countries in combating threats and challenges. In early October, in Afghanistan, for the first time during the period of conflicts, the democratic elections were held, in realization of which the NATO forces have played an important role. Tajikistan expresses full support to NATO efforts on strengthening peace process and stabilization in Afghanistan. Signing the Agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization regarding the provision of host nation support to and transit of NATO forces and NATO personnel is an important step in further development of cooperation of the Republic of Tajikistan with NATO. Distinguished Mr. Chairman, We are confident that cooperation with NATO in the EAPC/PfP framework will provide Tajikistan with regular recommendations and support in the field of security and create favorable external conditions for realization of internal reforms.