Dushanbe, 30.03.2016. (NIAT “Khovar”). — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to depart for Central Asia this evening, where he will visit the OSCE participating States of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan from 30 March to 1 April.

According to the OSCE, he will hold talks with political leaders and meet representatives of civil society in all three countries.

“Central Asia is a strategically important region,” said Steinmeier ahead of his visit.

In addition to bilateral relations, the focus of Steinmeier’s visit will be on core aspects of the OSCE’s work such as the fight against terrorism, regional co-operation, and economic connectivity in the OSCE area.

As this year’s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Steinmeier also said he wants to learn more about the Organization’s wide-ranging work in Central Asia.

“I see great potential with regards to strengthening and expanding social, cultural and economic relations with the countries of Central Asia. This is why it is so important that Germany and the OSCE are active in the region,” he said.

The German Foreign Minister will be accompanied by a delegation that also includes Members of the German Bundestag (the national parliament) as well as business and cultural representatives.