Press Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. S. Muhriddin on the outcomes of the High-Level Conference International and Regional Coorperation on Countering Terrorism and its Financing through Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime (16-17 May, 2019 Dushanbe)

Distinguished media representatives,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to warmly welcome you all to the “Somon” Palace. Just a few minutes ago, our High-Level Conference “International and Regional Cooperation on Countering Terrorism and its Financing Through Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime” successfully completed its work.

This event was organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in close cooperation with the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union and a number partner countries.

Dushanbe once again becomes the host of an important international security forum, aimed at strengthening international and regional cooperation and finding effective ways of interaction.

The Current Dushanbe Conference istruly a continuation of the last year’s High-level International Conference on Countering Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism, which was also initiated by the Government of Tajikistan with the support of the international community.

More than 500 participants from 52 countries, 29 international and regional organizations, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, civil society and research circles attended the forum.

The participants discussed issues of strengthening international and regional cooperation in the field of combating international terrorism and sources of its financing, exchangingof experiences and identifying effective measures to counter drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and organized crime.

The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency EmomaliRahmon participated and delivered a welcoming statement at the opening ceremony of the Conference.

In his meaningful speech, the Leader of the Nation, Mr. President, gave a profound and comprehensive assessment of the impact of international terrorism and drug trafficking to the security situation, and also stressed the importanceof strengthening the capacity of countries and international structures to combat these challenges. Mr. President also urged for increasing international and regional cooperation and more coordinated actions in fighting against terrorism and sources of its financing for the sake of peace, tranquility and development.

The conference consisted of two thematic sessions:

1. Thematic Session 1 “International and Regional Cooperation in Countering Illicit Drug Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime”;

2. Thematic Session 2 "International Efforts to Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows that are linked to Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime."

On the sidelines of the Conference, the following side events were also organized:

1. European Union event on the theme: “Reintegration of the Families of Foreign Fighters”

2. The United Nations event on “Prevent illicit financial flows from drugs and crime for regional peace, security and sustainable development”;

According to the results of the International Conference, the outcome document - the Dushanbe Declarationwas adopted.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Dushanbe Conference became an important platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of views on experience, a center of attraction for those parties that share security threats and advocate the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation mechanisms and wide interaction.

Participants of the conference were unanimous in their opinion that international terrorism and its financing, as well as organized crime, and illicit drug trafficking in particular, pose major threats to international peace and security and undermine sustainable development.

We are convinced that this meeting will make a significant contribution to the process of promoting initiatives on topical issues of combating terrorism and sources of its financing, ensuring international and regional security and strengthening peace.