DUSHANBE, April 7, Asia-Plus — European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner will visit Tajikistan on 8 April.
During her visit, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will meet President Emomali Rahmon and a number high-ranking Tajik state officials, including Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi, Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda and the State Adviser to the President for Economic Policy also EU Strategy National Coordinator Davlatov, press release issued by the European Commission Delegation in Dusahnbe said.
The Commissioner will discuss the current state of relations with Tajikistan and the prospects to go further under the new EU Strategy for Central Asia. Under this strategy the EU and Tajikistan are jointly identifying priorities for this cooperation.
“The time has come to further broaden our relations with Tajikistan. I am particularly pleased to be in Tajikistan to support the Government and its people following the social and economic difficulties the country has experienced on account of the energy crisis linked to the recent extraordinarily cold winter. I would like to reassure you of the EU’s solidarity, and reiterate our readiness to assist Tajikistan within the framework of the EU strategy for Central Asia. But, it is crucial that the Tajik Government pursues the necessary political and economic reforms if these are to have sufficient impact on poverty alleviation throughout the country. “, said the Commissioner.
The new framework for bilateral relations between the EU and Tajikistan – the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement – is expected to be ratified soon by all EU Member States. It creates the framework for wider co-operation, including in political, economic, trade and cultural areas. The EU has earmarked € 66 million for assistance programs in Tajikistan between 2007 and 2010. They will focus on health, education, tackling poverty, promoting economic reforms including the development of the private sector with a view to boosting Tajikistan”s economic development.
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will also visit a Training Centre for Tajik Border Forces which was constructed and refurbished under the EU Border Management Program in Central Asia (BOMCA). Assistance to effective border management in the country, especially along Tajik-Afghan border will remain a priority. Further cooperation in this area is envisaged.
The EU is one of the principal donors to Tajikistan, and has provided more than € 500 million of assistance to the country since 1992.
