DUSHANBE, February 28, 2012, Asia-Plus — The second meeting of the European Union-Tajikistan Cooperation Council took place in Brussels on February 27. The meeting was chaired by the Head of the Delegation of Tajikistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hamrokhon Zarifi. The EU delegation was led by Mr. Villy Sovndal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark. Also present were Mr. Pierre Vimont, Executive Secretary General of the European External Action Service, and Mr. Pierre Morel, EU Special Representative for Central Asia.
The Tajik MFA information department says the talks focused on the implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia, political matters, including internal reforms, human rights and the rule of law, water and environment as well as international issues and regional cooperation.
The Cooperation Council reportedly reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to see relations strengthen across a number of areas and took stock of the progress made since the first Cooperation Council between the EU and Tajikistan in December 2010, including implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia.
The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of a comprehensive implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia both on a regional and national basis and welcomed Tajikistan’s involvement in the EU regional initiatives for Central Asia. Developments were discussed as regards concrete flagship initiatives, such as on the rule of law, education and environment.
In the course of the talks, the Delegation of Tajikistan drew attention of the European Union to the necessity of completing negotiations on accession of Tajikistan the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Tajik MFA information department said.
Press release issued by the European Union says the Cooperation Council emphasized the importance for Tajikistan to further integrate into the world economy. The EU supports Tajikistan’s aspirations to join the WTO and commended the progress it has made in this respect. Also prospects for improving EU-Tajikistan trade were discussed, including the need to improve the business and investment climate.
The Cooperation Council also discussed a number of issues of importance to both parties, notably political reforms, rule of law and human rights, trade and economic relations, regional cooperation in Central Asia (including water, energy and environment) and international issues.
The Cooperation Council discussed regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues, including Afghanistan. The Cooperation Council underlined the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the region. In this context, the Cooperation Council called on the Central Asian partners to search for a sustainable settlement regarding water management, security and energy issues in the region, which would take into account all interests and preserve unity in the region.
