Kyrgyzstan to intensify security efforts

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 1 (UPI) -- OSCE officials were in Kyrgyzstan Tuesday to intensify efforts with the country to enhance regional stability.

The chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, met with officials from Kyrgyzstan Tuesday in the capital of Bishkek in a move to further engage the OSCE's partnership with the country on issues concerning border security and terrorism. Stubb called Kyrgyzstan an important factor for regional stability, the OSCE reported.

"I appreciate the increased co-operation and dialogue Kyrgyzstan is showing in all aspects of security, and I hope we can further intensify this work for the benefit of regional and OSCE-wide security," Stubb said in a statement.

The OSCE has been working with Kyrgyzstan on improving security among other measures in a move to strengthen the overall stability in the former Soviet region and to prevent the spread of terrorist networks from Afghanistan.

During the meeting Stubb welcomed an announcement from Kyrgyzstan officials that paves the way for the OSCE to lead a counter-terrorism workshop event in the country focusing on public and private partnership.

"Such events can play a significant role in combating terrorism," Stubb said. "Also important in this fight are the U.N. anti-terrorism instruments and anti-terrorism conventions, which Kyrgyzstan has not yet joined or acceded to. I hope this will happen soon."