Dacic on OSCE efforts in Central Asia

Dacic on OSCE efforts in Central Asia

"Our comprehensive approach to security, which includes the political and military, economic and environmental, and the human dimension, enable us to offer targeted support in key areas of promoting security and stability," the Serbian foreign minister, acting in his capacity as OSCE chairperson-in-office, said.

OSCE, he added, "remains committed to implementing the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, and particularly measures to strengthen trust in the fight against terrorism, narcotics, and in the field of education."

Observing that Central Asian states "could contribute more to strengthening stability in and around Afghanistan," Dacic said that the OSCE was "willing to strengthen its role of serving as a platform for cooperation and dialogue between all parties involved."

Addressing the meeting, he "underlined that the OSCE has the privilege to take part in the CSTO session for the first time," and that he was "happy that this happened at the time of Serbia's OSCE chairmanship, bearing in mind that Serbia is very much interested in the CSTO," the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“The CSTO is an important partner of the OSCE. The two organizations share a number of similar goals,” Dacic said.

He underlined that the OSCE appreciates the considerable and valuable experience that the CSTO gained by working in Central Asia, particularly in the field of combating transnational security threats, so it will analyze the possibilities of establishing a closer cooperation.

“The two organizations could establish closer contacts with regards to the issues involving the long-term needs of the region's development, including the challenges relating to Afghanistan,” he said.

Dacic meets with Tajikistan leaders

Serbia and Tajikistan have friendly relations that should be developed to their full potential in the future, Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Wednesday, the first day of his two-day visit to Tajikistan.

Dacic met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov, the Serbian Foreign Ministry has said.

"We wish to develop economic cooperation, which today is extremely small. We think there is plenty of room for joint activities and expect more official visits to be exchanged between the two countries in the future in order to facilitate that," Dacic stated after the meetings.