DUSHANBE, October 14, 2014, Asia-Plus — New Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, Ambassador Hidajet Biscevic, presented copies of his credentials to Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov on October 13.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, Aslov expressed hope that new EU Ambassador will make substantial contribution to the further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union.
The two reportedly expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union and noted that the bilateral cooperation program, designed for 2014-2020, will be aimed at further implementation of education, health and rural development projects in Tajikistan.
In the course of the talks, Aslov and Biscevic also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.
Hidajet BISCEVIC was appointed as Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan on May 8, 2014. He has served in a number of senior diplomatic positions including as Croatia”s Ambassador to Turkey and later to the Russian Federation. From 2003-2007 he was State Secretary at the Croatian Foreign Ministry and, from 2007-2012, Secretary-General of the Regional Co-operation Council, which was created by the South-East European Co-operation Process.
The European Union is pursuing a closer relationship with Tajikistan, targeting its cooperation, to facilitate Tajikistan economic transition, promoting inclusive, sustainable human and economic development. Tajikistan is becoming an increasing priority partner country within the Central Asia cooperation program.
The Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) signed in 2004, entered into force in the beginning of 2010. It provides a comprehensive and ambitious framework for joint work with Tajikistan, in all key areas of reform.
Tajik society is undergoing a profound transformation and the EU is assisting the Government of Tajikistan in its structural reform process as well as enhancing civil society capacity, working in partnership with local and international NGOs.
