DUSHANBE, 30.05.2019. (NIAT Khovar) –The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks at the Palace of the Nation with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk who arrived in Tajikistan on an official visit.

The consultations were preceded by an official welcoming ceremony. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and European Council President Donald Tusk had a one-on-one meeting and then continued their talks with their delegations present.

The current state and prospects of Tajikistan – EU relations were the subjects of the discussion.

President Emomali Rahmon expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable development  and expansion of relations between Tajikistan and the European Union in recent years and stressed that “Tajikistan pays special attention to cooperation with the European Union and considers the European Union one of its important partners in the international arena.»

The officials also discussed topical bilateral matters focusing on political, economic and socio-humanitarian cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union, the implementation of previously reached agreements, including EU-Tajikistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and praised the role of the EU-Tajikistan Cooperation Council, EU-Tajikistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Tajikistan Subcommittee on Development Cooperation as well as the EU-Tajikistan Human Rights Dialogue to strengthen relations.

It was stressed that Tajikistan is interested in strengthening the fruitful cooperation with Europe in the areas of direct investment in the economy of Tajikistan, the import of modern technologies, the development of the private sector, the processing of mineral and the practical implementation of major infrastructure projects in the field of transport communications and energy.

While exchanging views on security issues, the underscored joint struggle against the manifestation of terrorism and its harmful consequences, the spread of terrorism and extremism in the region and the world, the threat of illegal drug trafficking and the trade in arms.

The importance of cooperation with the European Union, especially the BOMCA / CADAP programme towards strengthening the defense capacity on the state border with Afghanistan, was particularly emphasized. It was noted that due to the large accumulation of terrorist groups in the north of Afghanistan, assistance and measures of the European Union will continue in the future in order to strengthen the border.

When exchanging views on development of cooperative relationship in areas of mutual interest, especially in the humanitarian and human rights, education reform and others fields, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue coordination between Tajikistan and EU for solving problems.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and European Council President Donald Tusk made press statements followithg the meeting.