The EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) held the second round of its National Project Steering Group meetings in Tajikistan, in order to review the progress of its second implementation year and define plans for the upcoming period. On October 05, a meeting was held in Dushanbe, gathering Tajik national counterparts directly involved in the project’s implementation.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Mukhsin Ziyoev, Attaché of the Border and Territorial Settlement Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, expressed his gratitude to the European Union for its support in implementing projects and reforms in the field of border management:

“We are interested in further developing cooperation with the European Union, in particular within the framework of the BOMCA Programme. Definitely, ensuring peace and stability in countries is a key factor and the most important condition for establishing and promoting a constructive process for sustainable development at the international and regional levels. In this context, it is the border region that acquires special importance in the priorities of states, since it becomes the field of political and economic interaction where the state is able to effectively implement its needs in various areas. Therefore, the state of border security and effective border management has a sufficient importance for the Republic of Tajikistan. Effective counteraction to modern challenges and threats of a transnational nature requires the adoption of timely collective measures,” – he said.

Mr. H.E. Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan said the following:

“Indeed, BOMCA has improved border management systems, cross-border cooperation, but has also increased the living conditions of the populations in border areas, including for women and children. This flagship EU initiative aimed to increase security and stability in the region for fostering sustainable economic development through integrated border management. The European Union is committed to supporting regional cooperation and facilitating fruitful and positive cross-border relations in Central Asia. In enhancing the role of civil society of cross-border regions, the Programme’s Component 4 activities play a crucial role in the future”.