From 26 April to 1 May 2026, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) hosted a delegation of representatives of the Ministries of Defence of Austria and Switzerland.
The donor delegation included representatives of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Directorate-General for Defence Policy, Centre for International Stabilisation, Verification and Arms Control, as well as a representative of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence. The OSCE Secretariat was represented by the Forum for Security Co-operation Projects Unit.
The visit focused on the implementation of two projects: Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards Programme and Security Upgrade of Small Arms and Light Weapons. These projects support the improvement of physical security and stockpile management (PSSM), as well as training and capacity-building in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal.
On 27 April, the delegation together with the Deputy Minister of Defense on Arms and Military Ammunition visited a Ministry of Defense ammunition storage facility in Dushanbe, renovated with the support of the OSCE POiD and nearing completion. On 28 April, participants visited a Ministry of Defense storage facility in Kyzyl-Kala, Khatlon Region to assess conditions and identify areas requiring rehabilitation.
On 29 April, the delegation presented its training package, including PSSM, Ammunition Storage and Bunker Safety and Conventional Ammunition Technical). The Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan noted that most PSSM instructions have been developed and approved. They welcomed OSCE support in ammunition management through training, chemical testing of ammunition, and infrastructure upgrades.
On 30 April, delegation visited the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC), established with the support of the OSCE POiD in August 2019. The REHTC Director and OSCE representatives delivered a presentation on the project, the REHTC's activities, and its full-scale operations in a regional context.
The guests also had the opportunity to observe and participate in two practical exercises, during which REHTC instructors demonstrated the technical knowledge and skills acquired in hook-and-line techniques, as well as in the safe removal and detachment of fuses using sticky tape and ropes. Since the establishment of the Regional Training Centre, a total of 457 EOD specialists from countries across Central Asia have successfully completed training at the Centre.
The OSCE POiD supports Tajikistan in addressing politico-military challenges, including strengthening stockpile management, reducing risks related to explosive hazards, and promoting regional security and stability. The visit was assessed as constructive and productive, allowing participants to review progress achieved under ongoing projects, exchange views on existing challenges, and identify areas for continued co-operation and support.
