Dushanbe, 10.02.2016. (NIAT “Khovar”). —The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirodjidin Aslov met here on Wednesday with the Ambassador of European Union to the Republic of Tajikistan Hidajet Biščević.

According to the Tajik MFA Information Department, they discussed a wide range of issues relating to the current state and prospects of the EU – Tajikistan cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides also discussed a number of topical issues of regional and international politics of mutual interest.

Special attention was paid to the context of the upcoming EU -Tajikistan Cooperation Council Meeting.

EU-Tajikistan relations are governed by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which came into force on 1 January 2010.  It provides a comprehensive and ambitious framework for joint EU-Tajikistan work, in all key areas of reform.

The previous third meeting of the Cooperation Council between the European Union and Tajikistan was held on October 1, 2013.  The Cooperation Council reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to strengthen relations in a number of cooperation areas and took stock of the progress made since the second meeting of EU-Tajikistan Cooperation Council that took place in February 2012.  The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of a comprehensive implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia both on a regional and national basis and welcomed Tajikistan’s active engagement in the EU regional initiatives for Central Asia.

The Cooperation Council between the European Union and Tajikistan held its first meeting in Brussels on December 13, 2010.