DUSHANBE, March 17, 2011, Asia-Plus — The Cooperation Committee between the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Tajikistan held its first meeting here on March 16.
According to the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan, the EU was represented by Mr. Gunnar Wiegand, Director of Russia, Eastern Neighborhood, Central Asia and OSCE, European External Action Service. The Tajik delegation was led by Mr. Saidrahmon Nazriyev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade. The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Pierre Morel, also took part in the meeting.
The Cooperation Committee reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to see the EU-Tajikistan relations strengthen across a number of areas, especially in the context of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Tajikistan, which entered into force on 1st January 2010, and the overall framework provided by the EU Strategy for Central Asia. The Cooperation Committee provided a good opportunity to review recent economic and social reforms in Tajikistan.
The Cooperation Committee held an in-depth discussion on the issues of macroeconomic developments, including public and private investments, as well as sectoral developments and trade issues. The EU reaffirmed its strong support for Tajikistan’s WTO accession on commercially viable terms and in full compliance with WTO rules.
Talking about energy and water issues, the EU emphasized the importance of taking a regional perspective about cooperation on water resources management in the region and encouraged Tajikistan to work together with all Central Asian countries to develop a stable arrangement for cooperation. It also appreciated the engagement of the Tajik authorities into an ambitious Water Sector Reform and their involvement in the activities undertaken within the National Water Policy Dialogue in the framework of the EU Water Initiative which has been also launched on March 16, 2011.
The EU recalled the importance of continuing progress in democracy, rule of law and human rights, in view of the widening and deepening of bilateral relations between the EU and Tajikistan and encouraged Tajikistan to step up reforms in these fields. The EU welcomed the recent third round of the EU-Tajikistan Human Rights Dialogue, underlining that human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and of religion as well as freedom of media, are essential elements in the bilateral relationship with Tajikistan.
The EU assistance under the Regional Strategy 2011-13 for Tajikistan amounts to 62 million euros and will focus on social sector reforms in Health and Social Protection, support to Private Sector Development with a particular focus on agriculture, and strengthening Public Administration and Public Finance Management.
