DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe recently held talks in Tajikistan to plan for greater border security for the country.
OSCE held the meetings in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, at the request of the Tajik government. Officials say the OSCE was brought in under an initiative to develop projects aimed at strengthening Tajikistan's management and border security, the OSCE reported.
"Developing border security and management is crucial for Tajikistan, and will help address the different threats, including illicit drug trafficking from Afghanistan," Henry Bolton, senior OSCE border issues adviser, said in a statement. "The OSCE has extensive experience in the field of border security, and is pleased to be requested by the government of Tajikistan to assist in strengthening the countries borders"
The landlocked country borders Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the China.
Official say Finland and Norway have pledged funding for Tajik border troops over the next two years.
"Our delegation is leaving with a distinctly positive impression of the Tajik border management agencies and the desire of the leadership to address major challenges," said Col. Arto Niemenkari, head of the Finnish Border Guard and Coast Guard Academy. "Finland and the Finnish Border Guard are pleased and proud to be associated with the OSCE border-related activities in Tajikistan. In 2008 when Finland assumes the Chairmanship of the Organization, we will place a high degree of importance to this work."
