Today, the President of the country Emomali Rahmon received the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

The Head of State Emomali Rahmon pointed out at the beginning of the talk: “Tajikistan considers the European Union among its important international partners and always pays particular attention to strengthening of long-term sustainable relations with it”.

A wide range of issues of multidimensional cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union, including in the areas of policy, regional and international security, economy and trade, science and technology, as well as the development of democratic society have been reviewed at the meeting.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the process of Regional Political Dialogue between the EU Troika and Central Asia, the session of which was held several days ago in Kyrgyzstan, and regular meetings between the different structures of Tajikistan and the EU.

It was considered necessary to further bolster economic and trade interaction with reference to the fact that the EU is among the first five trade partners of Tajikistan according to indicators of mutual trade turnover.

During the discussion of issues related to working out of a new EU Strategy for Central Asia for 2014-2020, the Head of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stated, in particular: “We are, of course, interested in the adoption of a new Strategy of the European Union and establishment of new mechanisms of cooperation within its framework, such as “Security Dialogue”.

Much focus was made on the current situation and its development in Afghanistan and realization of joint security and socio-economic steps. In this context, fruitful implementation of regional infrastructure projects, including in the spheres of energy, transport, communications and development of trade has been considered necessary.

A constructive talk also took place on the development of civil society, ensuring human rights and freedoms, freedom of press and religion, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Following the talks, a new cooperation agreement has been signed between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Commission, according to which $16 million financial grant assistance will be allocated to enhance agricultural competitiveness of Tajikistan.