Fighting terrorism is a priority Tajikistan, President tells UN Assembly

“Of special concern is the scope and global nature of the current threats caused by terrorism, illegal drug trafficking and organized crime. Destructive and inhumane forces of terrorism and extremism have been gaining in power involving in their orbit the ever-increasing number of young people,” said the President in his address at the annual General Debate.

He also urged the world leaders to implement UN’s anti-terrorism programmes and other resolutions to cease the spread of terrorism and radicalism.

“It is in our common interests that Member States implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, and effectively combat any forms and manifestations of terrorism, including the use of Internet for terrorist purposes,” said the President.

He also commended the accomplishments of the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan in curbing drug trafficking.

“Since 1995, the Tajikistan National drug enforcement authorities have confiscated eleven metric tons of narcotics. This amount is equal to 206,650,000 drug doses, and could have turned 50 million people the world over into drug abusers,” he said.

The President also highlighted his country’s friendly relations with neighbouring Afghanistan, and urged world leaders to support the Afghan Government in their struggle to bring peace in the country.

“Tajikistan stands for expanding friendly and good neighbouring relations with Afghanistan, and calls on the international community to support the efforts of the Government…at achieving peace and stability by addressing the social and economic problems, continuing the process of national reconciliation and dialogue, and involving the country in the regional cooperation,” he said.

The President praised the UN on its recent adoption of the Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and said that this provides a ‘road map’ for countries aiming to achieve broader sustainability.

He also pointed out the significant impact the effects of climate change have had in Tajikistan.

“It is known that as a result of climate change, the amount of water resources stored in glaciers and snow-caps has diminished, the area of ground water affected by salinization has increased, and precipitation has become more frequent and heavier,” the President explained.

However, he stressed that despite climactic troubles, Tajikistan has been aiming towards transformation to a ‘green economy.’

“In terms of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions Tajikistan ranks as 135th in the group of countries with the least emissions of greenhouse gases. Per capita emission of the greenhouse gasses in the country is 10 times less than the average world index. A broad use of renewable energy sources, predominantly hydropower facilitates economic and social development of the country and formation of ‘green economy’, he added.

President Rahmon is among the many leaders who will address the general debate of 70th General Assembly which opened this year with the adoption of Agenda 2030 and 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Made up of all the 193 Member States of the UN, the Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of international issues covered by the UN Charter.

UN Photo/Cia Pak