DUSHANBE, 24.11.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon received the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell who is in Dushanbe on an official visit to take part in the 17th meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries of Central Asia and the EU.

Tajik and the EU cooperation was the main item of the meeting agenda.

President Rahmon stressed that the expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the EU will continue to contribute to the progress of Tajikistan and the entire region.

They also discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural, health, and humanitarian areas.

In order to expand cooperation and update the Tajik-EU legal framework , they noted the necessity of signing the Enhanced Partnership Cooperation Agreement.

Attention was also given to the elimination of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and the protection of glaciers.

President Rahmon expressed his gratitude for €112 million material and technical assistance provided by the EU for overcoming the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic and for strengthening the health sector of Tajikistan.

He also offered his thanks to the EU for supporting Tajikistan’s global initiatives related to water issues and climate change.

Another issue on the agenda concerned an increase of export and import of goods between Tajikistan and the EU.

President Rahmon noted the government’s interest in joining the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+) which will allow for the import of Tajik goods and products into the territory of the EU under customs privileges.

During the exchange of views on security and stability in Central Asia and Afghanistan, the parties noted the importance of strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border line, and the construction of roads, bridges, power lines through the expansion of the BOMCA/CADAP programs.

They also discussed the EU – Central Asia Economic Forum, the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum, and EU’s New Strategy for Central Asia.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen the Tajikistan-EU cooperation.