DUSHANBE, 12.07.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity –Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received today in the Palace of the Nation the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International cooperation and Development Stefano Manservisi.

During the meeting the two sides assessed the extensive bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union and pledged to continue to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the coming years.

The effective implementation of measures taken in recent years, including the implementation of the EU Strategy for a New Partnership with Central Asia, in particular the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), was assessed as an important means of strengthening of cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Union.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction over the activities of important cooperation mechanisms, including the regular work of Tajikistan-EU Cooperation Council, EU-Tajikistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, as well as Human Rights Dialogue between Tajikistan and the European Union.

The successful implementation of the EU Multiannual Indicative Program for 2014-2020, which envisages the allocation of 251 million Euros for Tajikistan’s healthcare, education and rural development sectors, was considered important.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the holding of the next meeting of Tajikistan-EU Cooperation Council and within its framework presentation of the Medium-term Development Program of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period until 2020 and the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan for the period until 2030. To achieve the goals defined in these documents our country has acknowledged the need in the support of the development partners.

The two sides also discussed issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation, in particular economic and investment ties, energy and transport infrastructure, and agriculture.

Both sides also discussed other issues of common concern in addressing fight against terrorism and violent extremism, illegal drug trade and other forms of organized crime, ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan, further strengthening of common Tajik-Afghan border protection and enhancing the technical and military capacities of border protection structures.