Emomail Rahmon, Donald Tusk discuss bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and EU

AKIPRESS.COM - Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon met with European Council's President Donald Tusk on May 30 in Dushanbe, said Tajikistan President's Office.
They had both private meeting and meeting with participation of delegations. They discussed the current relations and prospects of ties between Tajikistan and the European Union.
"My visit comes shortly after the launch of the European Union's new Central Asia Strategy. I am the first President of the European Council to visit Tajikistan, which is another sign of our commitment to building stronger partnerships with you and the entire region," Tusk said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of political, economic, social and humanitarian cooperation of Tajikistan and the European Union, the implementation of previously signed documents, including agreements on cooperation and partnership between Tajikistan and EU, and the role of the cooperation committee and its development subcommittees, political dialogue, as well as dialogue on security and human rights in strengthening relationships were appreciated.
It was noted that Tajikistan is interested in implementing beneficial cooperation with EU in issues of the receipt of direct investments in Tajikistan's economy, the import of new technologies, the development of the private industrial sector, the processing of metals and practical implementation of large infrastructure projects in transport, communications and energy.
They also discussed security issues, including the joint combating of terrorism and extremism in the region and the world, the threat of drug trafficking and smuggling of weapons.
"One reason I came here, is that I know how important you are for the security of the entire region. I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen the border with Afghanistan today. And I was really impressed by how much you are doing to protect it. I am happy to say that we will seriously increase our support of the Border Management Project in Central Asia. The EU remains strongly committed to cooperating with all of the Central Asian countries on fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and violent extremism," Tusk said.
The parties discussed the issues of development of cooperation in humanitarian and law sectors, education reforms and expressed unified position on solving issues in these spheres.
Tusk also visited the Pamir Glaciers. He said he was impressed by the beauty but also by the visible impact of climate change.
"This is not only a major concern for your country, but for the region and the whole world. The EU remains committed to fighting climate change. And I am sure Tajikistan will be the best partner in this," he said.