DUSHANBE, 03.11.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received at the Qasri Millat Palace the delegation of members of the European Parliament (EP) headed by Iveta Grigule-Pēterse that has arrived in Dushanbe to take part in the 6th meeting of Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Committee between Tajikistan and the European Union.

The discussion focused, in particular, on prospects for Tajik-EP developing cooperation and the results of the 6th meeting of Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Committee between Tajikistan and the European Parliament.

The head of state Emomali Rahmon pointed out that Tajikistan recognizes the European Union as its reliable partner on the international arena, and expressed his satisfaction with the current level of development of wide-ranging relations.

It was noted that promising areas of the Tajik-European Union cooperation are economy, people-to-people links, cultural and security spheres. And in light of this, the two sides had an exchange of views on numerous opportunities to boost cooperation in such spheres like healthcare, education, rural development, as well as economic sectors, in particular energy, transportation and agriculture.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is interested in further expansion of bilateral cooperation with the European Parliament addressing improvement of parliamentary responsibility, the rule of law, human rights and democratic reforms.

During the meeting, the two sides paid a special attention to EU assistance to Tajikistan for the implementation of Tajikistan 2030 National Development Strategy and the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2014-2020. The sides noted the importance of practical implementation of the new International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 and the «Renewed EU Strategy for Central Asia».

In an exchange of views on international issues, the two sides discussed matters pertaining to global threats and challenges, strengthening control along the Tajik-Afghan border.

The necessity of continued cooperation within the BOMCA and CADAP programs was also emphasized.