DUSHANBE, 12.10.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala in Brussels.

The discussions focused on the development of bilateral relations with an emphasis on politics, economy and culture.

President Rahmon congratulated Hakala on her appointment as the new EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

He expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation in key areas of international and regional politics, regular high-level political dialogue, and cooperation in the field of security.

They noted that the contacts within the framework of the High-Level Dialogue on Policy and Security, as well as the upcoming meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asia and the European Union in Dushanbe, can give a new impetus to strengthening cooperation.

Reviewing the expansion of bilateral ties between Tajikistan and the EU, President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan is ready for close cooperation with EU in the field of trade and industrial production, digital economy and innovation, as well as ensuring food and energy security.

Considering the common roots and historical ties of Central Asian nations, priority must be placed on further developing cooperation within the region.

They also expressed interest in the implementation of programs within the framework of broad regional cooperation, including in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian and security spheres.

During the discussion of security issues, the sides focused on strengthening security and stability in Tajikistan, the entire territory of Central Asia and Afghanistan, and in particular strengthening Tajikistan’s defense capability for protecting the Tajik –Afghan border to ensure security in the region.

Hakala praised the role of Tajikistan in addressing water issues and mitigating the effects of climate change, as well as the formation of a green economy, and expressed readiness to further support Tajikistan’s international initiatives.