Dushanbe, 25.11.2016. /NIAT “Khovar”/.A meeting between Permanent Representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union Ambassador Erkinhon Rahmatullozoda and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland took place in Strasbourg, France on November 24.

According to the Tajik MFA Information Department, Secretary General, Jagland recalled his meeting with the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon in 2011 at the headquarters of the Council of Europe. He also described the relationships of his organization with the Republic of Tajikistan, which is not a member of the Council of Europe yet has very fruitful and positive ties.

During the conversation, the parties considered the matters within the competence of the Council of Europe and other issues of mutual interest, and exchanged views on the state and prospects of relations development.

The Convention on the recognition of qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region which was signed by the parties during the official visit of the President Emomali Rahmon to the Council of Europe in 2011, was assessed as an important event, and the continuation of this process was considered as beneficial. It was pointed out that consideration of the signing possibility of the European Cultural Convention would be another good step in this direction.

Devoting attention to the activities of the European Commission «Democracy through Law» (the Venice Commission), the parties have estimated it as a very constructive event and considered the appropriateness of expansion and strengthening the relations of this structure with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Secretary General has stressed that the development and strengthening of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Council of Europe in the fight against terrorism, extremism and prevention of spread of drugs is a requirement of time and, accordingly, the deepening of cooperation between the competent institutions of our country and the Council of Europe (Pompidou Commission) would be a notable event in implementation of the joint agenda.

At the end of the meeting the state and prospects of development of relations between the parties were positively outlined.