The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell in Brussels.

A detailed exchange of opinions focused on the ties between Tajikistan and the European Union.

The officials expressed their satisfaction with the development of cooperation. President Emomali Rahmon stressed that the European Union is an important partner in the international arena.

A number of forward-looking topics on the bilateral cooperation agenda were also discussed, including issue pertaining to economy, trade, as well as the implementation of beneficial projects in various humanitarian and cultural fields, in particular education, health, and local development.

They stressed that the comprehensive development of economic cooperation is one of the most important aspects of relations between Tajikistan and the European Union.

In this regard, the parties expressed satisfaction with the level and content of cooperation in the energy sector, including the implementation of the CASA-1000 project and the formation of the green economy, emphasizing the need for its further expansion.

They noted the importance of the implementation of the adopted documents, including the EU-Tajikistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and Tajikistan’s accession to the System of Preferences for goods exported to Europe.

Another item on the agenda was the concerned efforts against the coronavirus infection, efficient use of water resources, climate change, mitigation thereof, and protection of glaciers.

President Rahmon conveyed his gratitude to the EU for the assistance provided in combatting the spread of the coronavirus and strengthening the health care with €112 million.

President Rahmon also thanked the EU for supporting Tajikistan’s global initiatives related to water issues and mitigation of the consequences of climate change, which has become one of the most serious challenges of our time.

In this regard, President Rahmon stated that Tajikistan produces 98% of electricity from hydropower facilities, which ranks sixth in the world and occupies 135th place in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

In turn, Borrell praised the important role of the Tajikistan in addressing water issues and mitigating the effects of climate change.

He also noted that the EU is interested in strengthening regional ties, and these issues will be the focus of talks at the upcoming G5 + 1 meeting of Foreign Ministers in Dushanbe.

While exchanging opinions on security issues, the sides focused on strengthening security and stability in the entire Central Asian region and especially Afghanistan.

The strengthening of the protection of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan through the implementation of BOMCA and CADAP programs were also touched upon.

At the end of the conversation, the officials expressed confidence that the multifaceted cooperation will continue to expand.