Activities of Secretary-General in Tajikistan, 5-6 April

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Monday, 5 April, with Madam Ban Soon-taek.  This was the fourth stop in a week-long visit to Central Asia.

Upon his arrival, the Secretary-General met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, at the presidential dacha.  The Secretary-General then heard a presentation on hydropower and the efficient use of water resources.

Later in the afternoon, the Secretary-General met with members of the Parliament at the “Majlisi Oli” Building, the Tajik Parliament.  He later visited the office of the United Nations country team in Tajikistan.  That night, the Secretary-General attended an official dinner hosted by President Rahmon.

The next morning, Tuesday, 6 April, the Secretary-General had a working breakfast with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.  In a joint press conference following that breakfast, he said that his discussions with the President and Prime Minister had focused in particular on the management of natural resources, chiefly water and energy.  “We need to sit down and resolve these issues in a harmonious way that benefits all,” he added.  He also asked leaders of the region to refrain from unilateral actions until the World Bank has concluded its technical assessment of Tajikistan’s proposed hydropower projects.

Continuing the summary of his visit, the Secretary-General also said that he had encouraged the Government, as well as parliamentary leaders, to broaden their partnership with civil society.  “As in other countries, media freedom, tolerance for ethnic and religious diversity and a robust civil society are fundamental to modernization,” he told reporters.

The Secretary-General then left Dushanbe for Semey, Kazakhstan.